Thread

Classified estimates show the NSA is paying billions to test AI models

178 points · 108 comments · rdmuser

autoexec · 1790351941 · focus · HN ↗
Obviously. The amount of data they hold on the American public alone is massive. They can't possibly read it all, they need a system that can pull out "dangerous" people, and find dirt on whoever they want to target, and AI will happily do that, badly. I just hope they actually take the time to review what it gives them for accuracy so that they don't end up doing the NSA equivalent of bombing and murdering a bunch of elementary school children. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Minab_school_attack" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Minab_school_attack
The NSA aren't the only ones with massive troves of very personal data on large numbers of people. Many companies are excited to use AI to help them use all of that information to their maximum advantage and you can bet that they won't care about spending the time/money on perfect accuracy as long as over the long run they get positive results.
1. pixl97 · 1790356146 · focus · HN ↗
  Any system that can be used to pick those that stand out, will also be indiscriminately used to beat down any nail that sticks up higher than the rest with full intention of doing so by its operator.
  Collateral damage is just the cost of doing business for them.
  1. scottyah · 1790358622 · focus · HN ↗
    That's not remotely true, you're projecting how you would abuse power. Not everyone is as evil-minded, and I hope they continue to do a great job at keeping your ilk out of the organization.
    pixl97 · 1790363575 · focus · HN ↗
    So you have to be evil to think of what evil can do by the statement you made. Can't you see how this leads to a catch-22 situation where if you get rid of anyone that can think of possible evil acts makes your organization blind and therefor at higher risk of actually committing those acts.
    Also, when looking at the people we all vote into power, there is a incredible amount of naivety here. Snowden should have keyed you in on what people in power are doing.
    scottyah · 1790370710 · focus · HN ↗
    > So you have to be evil to think of what evil can do by the statement you made.
    You don't, and my statement did not assert that. You are stretching wayyy too much here to try to get the world to fit your narrative.
    logicchains · 1790363988 · focus · HN ↗
    People who aren't evil-minded don't go to work for a government organization responsible for constitution-violating surveillance of their fellow citizens.
    scottyah · 1790370566 · focus · HN ↗
    They do, in droves. It's clear you don't know anything about the entire industry.
    pixl97 · 1790375227 · focus · HN ↗
    NSA PR department on HN.
    scottyah · 1790637940 · focus · HN ↗
    I wish I got paid for my crusade against ignorant posters trying to brainwash the youth against their own community.

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