The "Bot Gestapo"—How Automated Propaganda Is Driving World Politics

Among the increasing coverage on how the weaponization of big data is affecting elections, this investigative report is so far the most comprehensive, insightful—and freaky. Freaky because, as the authors make clear, not only are these systems far more developed than most of us realize, but they have already proved extremely effective in changing public opinion.

Through correlation of social media users’ clicking habits with known personality traits, the firm Cambridge Analytica has developed an accurate system for targeting ads, news, and fake news to those who have been identified as most susceptible to the messages conveyed. The company has so far aided in the success of both Trump and Brexit, and is now in conversation with right-wing parties in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

But targeted content is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the new "AI propaganda machine": this article also covers the way political campaigns have become highly responsive based on algorithmically collected information, the way bots have swayed or suppressed political tides through trolling and arguing (the "bot Gestapo"!), and the way artificial intelligence increasingly aids in the production of fake news and other content. Legal systems have not begun to catch up. This is essential reading, because:

“Understanding Cambridge Analytica and the bigger AI Propaganda Machine is essential for anyone who wants to understand modern political power, build a movement, or keep from being manipulated.”