FBI moves to deploy predictive AI for terrorist watch list

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking a new artificial‑intelligence system to upgrade its Threat Screening Center (TSC). Procurement documents show the FBI wants predictive‑modeling tools that can analyse existing data, identify patterns and flag individuals who might be added to the watch list. The request explicitly references the broadened threat definition in National Security Presidential Memorandum‑7, which expands "threats" to include political dissent, anti‑capitalist and anti‑American views.

The move shifts the TSC’s focus from primarily foreign jihadist suspects to domestic groups deemed subversive. Civil‑rights advocates warn that embedding AI in the watch‑list process could increase surveillance of lawful political activity and make it harder for individuals to contest their inclusion.

The FBI declined comment on the procurement request, and the documents were obtained by investigative reporting outlets.