Ben Winters
@benwinters.bsky.social
director of AI and privacy at Consumer Federation of America | teaching tech policy law/reg @udclaw | formerly EPIC (the privacy one not the bad ones), and DOJ Civil Rights division| ⚫️⚪️+🗽 | 🐦 🐿 | he/him
contact: bwinters@consumerfed.org
contact: bwinters@consumerfed.org
Reposted by Ben Winters
The college at which I'm employed, which has signed a contract with the AI firm that stole books from 131 colleagues & me, paid a student to write an op-ed for the student paper promoting AI, guided the writing of it, and did not disclose this to the paper. www.thedartmouth.com/article/2026...
College approached and paid student to write op-ed in The Dartmouth
The Dartmouth ran the article on Nov. 17 without knowledge that the College had been involved.
www.thedartmouth.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:40 PM
The college at which I'm employed, which has signed a contract with the AI firm that stole books from 131 colleagues & me, paid a student to write an op-ed for the student paper promoting AI, guided the writing of it, and did not disclose this to the paper. www.thedartmouth.com/article/2026...
copy paste of palantir pitch decks for the last 15 years
“Like Prime, but with human beings.”
January 30, 2026 at 3:55 AM
copy paste of palantir pitch decks for the last 15 years
Reposted by Ben Winters
i continue to ask what people are still doing on the fascist white supremacy platform that generates child pornography
January 29, 2026 at 4:57 AM
i continue to ask what people are still doing on the fascist white supremacy platform that generates child pornography
Reposted by Ben Winters
Acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Madhu Gottumukkala, forced CISA to give him special access to the public version of ChatGPT then abused that access by uploading “for official use only” contracting documents to the chatbot.
U.S. Acting Cyber Chief Uploaded Sensitive Files to ChatGPT
Acting CISA director uploaded sensitive government files to public ChatGPT despite security warnings, exposing federal cybersecurity leadership failures.
www.yahoo.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Madhu Gottumukkala, forced CISA to give him special access to the public version of ChatGPT then abused that access by uploading “for official use only” contracting documents to the chatbot.
Reposted by Ben Winters
This actually gives me hope. Even in the hands of a talented director and presumably with a very significant budget, this still looks like shit
First trailer for Darren Aranofsky's new AI animated series 'On This Day... 1776'
• Tells short narrative stories about the Revolutionary War
• Uses Gen AI tools, including tech made by Google DeepMind
• Has SAG voice actors
• Tells short narrative stories about the Revolutionary War
• Uses Gen AI tools, including tech made by Google DeepMind
• Has SAG voice actors
January 29, 2026 at 9:28 PM
This actually gives me hope. Even in the hands of a talented director and presumably with a very significant budget, this still looks like shit
why pay your employees when you can just pay your billionaire friends
Sources: Amazon is in talks to invest up to $50B in OpenAI, which is seeking up to $100B in new capital, a round that could value it at as much as $830B (Wall Street Journal)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
January 29, 2026 at 9:33 PM
why pay your employees when you can just pay your billionaire friends
Reposted by Ben Winters
The ethos of Trumpism is the ethos of the most pathetic schoolyard bully: I can say and do anything to you, but if you say anything back, I will run mewling to the teacher.
Just despicable liars nad snivvelers.
Just despicable liars nad snivvelers.
Homan: "I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March -- if the rhetoric doesn't stop, there is gonna be bloodshed. And there has been. I wish I wasn't right. I don't want to see anybody die."
January 29, 2026 at 4:36 PM
The ethos of Trumpism is the ethos of the most pathetic schoolyard bully: I can say and do anything to you, but if you say anything back, I will run mewling to the teacher.
Just despicable liars nad snivvelers.
Just despicable liars nad snivvelers.
Reposted by Ben Winters
Little known fact: One of the first things Francis Perkins did was defund and restructure immigration enforcement to dismantle a goon squad and rebuild a system of humane immigration processing.
January 28, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Little known fact: One of the first things Francis Perkins did was defund and restructure immigration enforcement to dismantle a goon squad and rebuild a system of humane immigration processing.
Reposted by Ben Winters
NEW: The firm behind the Mobile Fortify app, which ICE and CBP use for running facial recognition scans on the public, was revealed today to be NEC, according to DHS docs reviewed by @wired.com. NEC makes its of face rec platform called Reveal. @regret.bsky.social & @dell.bsky.social with the scoop:
Here's the Company That Sold DHS ICE's Notorious Face Recognition App
Immigration agents have used Mobile Fortify to scan the faces of countless people in the US—including many citizens.
www.wired.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:22 PM
NEW: The firm behind the Mobile Fortify app, which ICE and CBP use for running facial recognition scans on the public, was revealed today to be NEC, according to DHS docs reviewed by @wired.com. NEC makes its of face rec platform called Reveal. @regret.bsky.social & @dell.bsky.social with the scoop:
for when your car isn't committing enough crimes by itself
JUST IN: Tesla said it had agreed to invest about $2 billion in Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI, deepening ties between the companies as the automaker pitches itself as an autonomy and robotics-driven company reut.rs/4ajihma
Tesla to invest $2 billion in Musk's xAI startup
Tesla said on Wednesday it had agreed to invest about $2 billion in Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI, deepening ties between the companies as the automaker pitches itself as an autonomy...
reut.rs
January 28, 2026 at 10:02 PM
for when your car isn't committing enough crimes by itself
Reposted by Ben Winters
This is notable to me because I've heard from some other lawyers that they're not worried about AI hallucinations because they only use the premium Westlaw or Lexis versions. Supposedly, they are limited to the real case databases
This clerk used Lexis+ and Lexis Protege and got 8 hallucinations
This clerk used Lexis+ and Lexis Protege and got 8 hallucinations
January 28, 2026 at 5:54 PM
This is notable to me because I've heard from some other lawyers that they're not worried about AI hallucinations because they only use the premium Westlaw or Lexis versions. Supposedly, they are limited to the real case databases
This clerk used Lexis+ and Lexis Protege and got 8 hallucinations
This clerk used Lexis+ and Lexis Protege and got 8 hallucinations
Reposted by Ben Winters
Incredible story by @agreenberg.bsky.social, both on the scam compound operation and how he navigated a uniquely difficult and dangerous situation for his source. This one should be required reading for journalism ethics classes: www.wired.com/story/he-lea...
He Leaked the Secrets of a Southeast Asian Scam Compound. Then He Had to Get Out Alive
A source trapped inside an industrial-scale scamming operation contacted me, determined to expose his captors’ crimes—and then escape. This is his story.
www.wired.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Incredible story by @agreenberg.bsky.social, both on the scam compound operation and how he navigated a uniquely difficult and dangerous situation for his source. This one should be required reading for journalism ethics classes: www.wired.com/story/he-lea...
Reposted by Ben Winters
wrote about an apparent policy change in the payments industry www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
Payment processors were against CSAM until Grok started making it
“The industry is no longer willing to self-regulate.”
www.theverge.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:33 PM
wrote about an apparent policy change in the payments industry www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
need more action and less asking, but this is a really great step from a group of 35 bipartian AGs
ncdoj.gov/attorney-gen...
ncdoj.gov/attorney-gen...
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Leads Bipartisan Coalition Demanding xAI Stop Creating and Remove Grok’s Nonconsensual Sexual Images - NCDOJ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, January 23, 2026 Contact: comms@ncdoj.gov RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson today led a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general demanding that xAI stop its AI ...
ncdoj.gov
January 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM
need more action and less asking, but this is a really great step from a group of 35 bipartian AGs
ncdoj.gov/attorney-gen...
ncdoj.gov/attorney-gen...
Reposted by Ben Winters
We are opening an investigation into Grok because we believe that X may have breached the DSA.
We have seen antisemitic content, non-consensual deepfakes of women, and child sexual abuse material.
In Europe, no company will make money by violating our fundamental rights.
link.europa.eu/Fh8h84
We have seen antisemitic content, non-consensual deepfakes of women, and child sexual abuse material.
In Europe, no company will make money by violating our fundamental rights.
link.europa.eu/Fh8h84
January 26, 2026 at 1:24 PM
We are opening an investigation into Grok because we believe that X may have breached the DSA.
We have seen antisemitic content, non-consensual deepfakes of women, and child sexual abuse material.
In Europe, no company will make money by violating our fundamental rights.
link.europa.eu/Fh8h84
We have seen antisemitic content, non-consensual deepfakes of women, and child sexual abuse material.
In Europe, no company will make money by violating our fundamental rights.
link.europa.eu/Fh8h84
Reposted by Ben Winters
"your racial or ethnic origin, national
origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical
health diagnosis, sexual life or sexual
orientation, status as transgender or
nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status
or financial info."
how "precise location"? = you walked from the house to the garage.
origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical
health diagnosis, sexual life or sexual
orientation, status as transgender or
nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status
or financial info."
how "precise location"? = you walked from the house to the garage.
January 26, 2026 at 2:26 PM
"your racial or ethnic origin, national
origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical
health diagnosis, sexual life or sexual
orientation, status as transgender or
nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status
or financial info."
how "precise location"? = you walked from the house to the garage.
origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical
health diagnosis, sexual life or sexual
orientation, status as transgender or
nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status
or financial info."
how "precise location"? = you walked from the house to the garage.
Reposted by Ben Winters
DHS wants to learn from the best on how to use large datasets to target people. (The best is Ad Tech).
sam.gov/workspace/co...
sam.gov/workspace/co...
January 25, 2026 at 8:51 PM
DHS wants to learn from the best on how to use large datasets to target people. (The best is Ad Tech).
sam.gov/workspace/co...
sam.gov/workspace/co...
truly may never forget this moment
January 25, 2026 at 4:51 PM
truly may never forget this moment
Reposted by Ben Winters
On tonight’s White House agenda:
Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.
Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.
Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
January 25, 2026 at 1:49 AM
On tonight’s White House agenda:
Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.
Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.
Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
Reposted by Ben Winters
NEW: ICE is conducting research into further use of ADINT/"Big Data" to support "investigations activities"
by @carolinehaskins.bsky.social
by @carolinehaskins.bsky.social
ICE Asks Companies About ‘Ad Tech and Big Data’ Tools It Could Use in Investigations
A new federal filing from ICE demonstrates how commercial tools are increasingly being considered by the government for law enforcement and surveillance.
www.wired.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:45 PM
NEW: ICE is conducting research into further use of ADINT/"Big Data" to support "investigations activities"
by @carolinehaskins.bsky.social
by @carolinehaskins.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Winters
According to its new privacy policy, TikTok now collects more data on its users, including their precise location, after majority ownership officially switched to a group based in the US. www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
TikTok Is Now Collecting Even More Data About Its Users. Here Are the 3 Biggest Changes
According to its new privacy policy, TikTok now collects more data on its users, including their precise location, after majority ownership officially switched to a group based in the US.
www.wired.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:32 PM
According to its new privacy policy, TikTok now collects more data on its users, including their precise location, after majority ownership officially switched to a group based in the US. www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
Reposted by Ben Winters
BREAKING: Now that TikTok is under US-based ownership, the social media app potentially collects more even detailed information about its users, including precise location data.
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
TikTok Is Now Collecting Even More Data About Its Users. Here Are the 3 Biggest Changes
According to its new privacy policy, TikTok now collects more data on its users, including their precise location, after majority ownership officially switched to a group based in the US.
www.wired.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:45 PM
BREAKING: Now that TikTok is under US-based ownership, the social media app potentially collects more even detailed information about its users, including precise location data.
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
Reposted by Ben Winters
“Safety experts and tech critics have long condemned the Ring devices for security risks and privacy violations, not to mention their role in building the largest civilian surveillance network in US history.”
Fury as Amazon Ring Cameras Are Hooked Up to ICE System
Online activists are telling owners of Ring Doorbell cameras that it's time to get rid of their devices, which can be used by ICE.
futurism.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:28 PM
“Safety experts and tech critics have long condemned the Ring devices for security risks and privacy violations, not to mention their role in building the largest civilian surveillance network in US history.”
Reposted by Ben Winters
Tech bros are doing their best to convince everyone they should have a best friend that sells their intimate details to the government and tells them to kill themselves.
Mustafa Suleyman says you’ll be BFFs with AI in 5 years
Microsoft’s AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts everyone will form intimate bonds with AI companions within 5 years to navigate life’s challenges.
www.windowscentral.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Tech bros are doing their best to convince everyone they should have a best friend that sells their intimate details to the government and tells them to kill themselves.
Reposted by Ben Winters
Another data point indicating that Polymarket is not a “prediction market” but a public persuasion operation—here it spreads disinformation about Minnesota and DHS signals boosts the disinformation:
January 16, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Another data point indicating that Polymarket is not a “prediction market” but a public persuasion operation—here it spreads disinformation about Minnesota and DHS signals boosts the disinformation: