Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) blasted federal authorities after a report suggested that U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies are increasingly monitoring anti-AI activists, data center protesters and critics of the technology industry under a growing “anti-tech extremism” focus.
Report Raises Concerns Over AI Protest Surveillance
According to a report published Tuesday by WIRED, more than 1,000 pages of unpublished documents from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and regional fusion centers reveal a broader effort to track what agencies describe as potential “anti-tech violent extremism.”
The report said intelligence assessments warned that growing backlash against artificial intelligence, fears over job losses and opposition to data center construction could fuel civil unrest in the coming years.
One New York intelligence assessment reportedly warned that “the chaotic atmosphere” created by emerging AI technology may lead to “large-scale protests” and anti-tech extremist activity, particularly in major cities.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Responds
Greene reacted sharply to the report on X, criticizing the criminalization of public concerns surrounding AI and data centers.
“How dare the peasants complain about data centers stealing their water and driving the cost of electricity!!” Greene wrote.
“How dare the peasants complain AI will replace their jobs!!”
“The peasants are dangerous extremists if they don’t shut up and comply!!” she added.
Data Centers, AI Expansion And Civil Liberties Debate
The report also highlighted growing protests against data centers across the U.S., as communities raise concerns about electricity consumption, water usage and environmental impact tied to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.
Civil liberties advocates cited in the report warned that broad labels like “anti-tech extremism” could blur the line between legitimate violent threats and constitutionally protected protest activity.
Spencer Reynolds, senior counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told the publication that intelligence reports have historically treated protests and dissent as possible precursors to violence.
The FBI told the publication it investigates individuals who commit or intend to commit violence or activities that threaten national security.
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Kevin O’Leary Alleges Bot Campaign Against AI Data Centers
Separately, on Monday, investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary said his team spent months investigating a coordinated online effort to disrupt energy infrastructure and AI data center development across North America.
He said early findings pointed to bot activity and coordinated messaging originating both inside and outside the U.S.
One of the organizations he named in connection responded to Benzinga, saying, “”The only foreign interest in this data center is Kevin from Canada. It’s insulting to Utahns across the state to say that any opposition or protest to this data center is the work of a foreign government.”
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock/ Consolidated News Photos
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