U.S. to Use AI for Monitoring Foreign Students’ Social Media Activity

AI to Monitor Foreign Students’ Social Media for Pro-Hamas Content

The United States is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor social media posts of foreign students. Any student found supporting the Palestinian militant group Hamas on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X may have their visa revoked and face deportation.

How AI Will Be Used?

AI technology will scan thousands of visa-holding students’ social media accounts in the U.S. If any content is detected endorsing Hamas, authorities will take immediate action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The U.S. will not tolerate foreign students who support terrorism. Those violating American laws or promoting terrorist groups could have their visas rejected or revoked and may be deported.”

Trump’s Executive Order and Its Impact

In January, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing authorities to identify and deport non-citizen students and others who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Following the Israel-Gaza conflict, numerous protests erupted across the U.S., prompting stricter immigration scrutiny.

Collaboration Between U.S. Agencies

The State Department, in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, is actively implementing this policy. Reports indicate that some student visas have already been revoked due to alleged support for Hamas.

Concerns from Civil Rights Organizations

Civil rights groups have voiced concerns over the use of AI for visa revocations, arguing that AI may misinterpret political speech, leading to wrongful deportations. Sarah McLaughlin, a representative of a free speech advocacy group, stated, “AI is not capable of accurately analyzing complex geopolitical discussions. Relying solely on AI could result in misjudgments and suppression of free speech.”

Hamas Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

The U.S. has officially classified Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The group was responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks that resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 250 individuals. In response, Israel launched military strikes, leading to over 48,000 Palestinian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.