What We’re Reading and Watching
Book recommendations and more from Intercept staffers.
Technology
Joe Manchin Rents Office Space to Firm Powering FBI, Pentagon Biometric Surveillance Center
Tygart Technology was founded by Manchin’s daughter in 1991, and it’s headquartered in the same building as his coal company.
Profits Skyrocket for AI Gun Detection Used in Schools — Despite Dubious Results
Amid aggressive marketing to schools, Evolv announced it had doubled its first-quarter earnings compared to last year.
The End of Roe
U.S. Marshals Spied on Abortion Protesters Using Dataminr
Twitter’s “official partner” monitored the precise time and location of post-Roe demonstrations, internal emails show.
Can the Pentagon Use ChatGPT? OpenAI Won’t Answer.
The AI company is silent on ChatGPT’s use by a military intelligence agency despite an explicit ban in its ethics policy.
AI Tries (and Fails) to Detect Weapons in Schools
Companies like Evolv sell multimillion-dollar AI-powered gun detection systems to schools nationwide, but weapons still slip through.
The Pentagon Uses Video Games to Teach “Security Excellence.” You Can Play Them Too.
The computer games provide clues that could help potential whistleblowers leak intel without getting caught.
Digital Security Tips to Prevent the Cops From Ruining Your Trip Abroad
Traveling with a phone and laptop? Here are digital security tips to keep your devices and your data safe from the cops.
Crypto Cash Is Powering Kyrsten Sinema’s Reelection Campaign
Sinema has grown more friendly to the cryptocurrency industry as investors and industry employees contributed to her congressional races.
Army Info War Division Wants Social Media Surveillance to Protect “NATO Brand”
An Army Cyber Command official sought military contractors that could help “attack, defend, influence, and operate” on global social media.