U.S. Agencies Monitor AI-Enabled Terrorism and Anti-Tech Extremism
U.S. law enforcement agencies are tracking the use of generative AI for terrorism and the rise of extremists targeting critical tech infrastructure.
The United States Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies are monitoring a dual threat involving artificial intelligence and anti-technology extremism. Internal documents obtained by the non-profit Property of the People show that the FBI, DHS, and NYPD are tracking how generative AI is used to bypass safety filters to obtain bomb-making instructions, recruit extremists, and create deepfakes.
Law enforcement points to a May 2025 car bombing at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs as a primary example of these risks, noting the suspect used an AI tool to plan the attack. Agencies are also monitoring anti-tech extremists who target data centers and critical infrastructure, citing a 2021 plot by Seth Pendley to bomb an Amazon Web Services facility to disrupt internet services.
While authorities maintain these surveillance efforts are essential for public safety, critics argue the scope of monitoring has expanded. Property of the People suggests that law enforcement is now treating nonviolent protesters who oppose the environmental and social impacts of AI infrastructure as threats to be neutralized.
