[URGENT] The Pentagon just declared war on AI safety-and your privacy is the collateral damage. (Repost since the first was removed for link shortener mistake)
The standoff between the Department of War (formerly the DoD) and Anthropic reported today (Feb 16, 2026) is the tip of a much larger spear. This isn't just about a military contract; it is a structural pivot toward automated, AI-driven domestic surveillance that bypasses state laws.
If you value digital privacy, you need to understand the "Panopticon Stack" currently being built, anchored by the official strategy released last month:
#### 1. The Blueprint: Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Department of War
The foundational document for this shift is the Jan 9, 2026 memo: [Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Department of War](https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/12/2003855671/-1/-1/0/ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-STRATEGY-FOR-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-WAR.PDF).
This memo officially rebrands the DoD and establishes a **"Wartime CDAO"** (Chief Digital and AI Officer) with "Barrier Removal Authority." This allows them to waive "non-statutory" requirements—meaning they can legally ignore any internal privacy or safety policy that isn't a literal Federal Law.
#### 2. The Mandate: The "DoD Data Decrees"
Found on **page 4** of the memo, Secretary Hegseth directs all military components to comply with the **"DoD Data Decrees."** This is a centralization order for all siloed data—including domestic intelligence—to be fed into a single, federated catalog for **"AI exploitation."** By merging foreign and domestic intelligence into one "AI-First" engine, the barrier between "overseas target" and "American citizen" effectively vanishes.
#### 3. The Surveillance Engine: Project Grant (PSP #5)
Under the **Pace-Setting Projects (PSPs)**, the government has launched **Project Grant**. Its stated goal (p. 6) is the "transformation of deterrence... to dynamic pressure with interpretable results." This involves using AI to perform real-time **Pattern-of-Life correlation** on massive datasets to predict "instability" and automate interventions.
#### 4. The Legal Shield: The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act (Jan 2026)
Senator Blackburn’s Act (the *"Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance..."*) is the legal endgame. It includes a **Section 5 Federal Preemption** clause designed to strike down state-level AI privacy laws (like CA's SB 53). It ensures that while the Department of War builds its surveillance engine, you have zero legal standing at the state level to challenge how your data is processed.
#### 5. The Ultimatum: Anthropic as a "Supply Chain Risk"
Today's news that the Pentagon is "close" to labeling Anthropic a **"supply chain risk"** (Axios, Feb 16) is a message to every AI lab: **Remove your ethical guardrails or be blacklisted.** Anthropic’s "Constitution" prohibits using Claude for domestic mass surveillance. The Department of War is demanding "all lawful purposes." By threatening a supply chain designation, the government is forcing a "race to the bottom" where the only models allowed to exist are those with no conscience.
**The TL;DR:** The government is building a domestic "Safe Cloud" on federal land (bypassing state laws) and demanding "lobotomized" AI models to run it. We are moving from manual, warrant-based surveillance to automated, AI-driven pattern management.
**Verification Sources:**
* **Official Strategy:** [Memo Serial 2003855671](https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/12/2003855671/-1/-1/0/ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-STRATEGY-FOR-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-WAR.PDF)
* **Legislative:** TRUMP AMERICA AI Act (Jan 2026, Sen. Blackburn)
* **News:** Axios / Fox News (Feb 16, 2026) - Anthropic Supply Chain Dispute
https://redd.it/1r6wpv5
@r_privacy
Should I delete my discord account altogether?
I'm gonna log out of most of my social media accounts for the next two months for my mental health. I log back into discord by April, will I be forced to scan my face and/or ID for basic functions like chatting and private DMs?
I hate that everytime we look for private spaces, creeps likes of Peter Thiel is trying to chase us out and isolate all of us from talking to one another.
https://redd.it/1r68bns
@r_privacy
What's a good argument against "I have nothing to hide" or "They already have my data, so.."
I've stumbled across a lot of good arguments but whenever I need them, my head goes blank. So I thought this can be a thread dedicated to key arguments to help people realize that it's not as simple as they might think.
Have a great day. :)
https://redd.it/1r5lf9i
@r_privacy
Ancestory sending out tons of ads looked into why that might be happening
https://www.reuters.com/business/exclusive-blackstone-mulls-options-ancestrycom-including-possible-sale-or-ipo-2025-09-25/ I firmly believe they're going public to take advantage of the USG anti ICE data requests within the next year.
https://redd.it/1r5kb2c
@r_privacy
Delete old twitter x?
My old twiter (x) account has my full name, and it is rare. I used to make accounts on every social platform, so no one steals my name.
I cleaned all the likes, it is 0 everything there, but still think to delete it or not , if they don't really delete anything? Or keep it like that? I didn't use it in years and don't plan to.
Thanks for any advice, about other socials too, i want clean up most of it.
https://redd.it/1r5gg7g
@r_privacy
Does Ubuntu spy on you?
Safe or are there better distros?
https://redd.it/1r5b9a7
@r_privacy
TrackerControll vs duckduckgo app tracking protection
i have been using ddg app tracking protection for about a year now and really like it. however, i have been looking into TrackerControll via github and i am wondering if TC can block more, including system app stuff?
thanks
https://redd.it/1r54j14
@r_privacy
Why ad blockers are a top security and privacy defense for everyone
https://this.weekinsecurity.com/why-ad-blockers-are-a-top-security-and-privacy-defense-for-everyone/
https://redd.it/1r4nmzd
@r_privacy
Leaving Discord over upcoming verification and Thiel/Palantir links. What are real alternatives?
You guys have probably heard that Discord is going to start requiring verification soon just to keep using it normally.
And now it turns out that this Nazi Peter Thiel and his awful company Palantir have their hands in it as well.
So what real alternatives do we have?
TeamSpeak isn’t an option for me.
Stoat isn’t an option either, because it has to be idiot-proof, and Stoat couldn’t even manage to send out verification emails properly.
That makes the whole thing a complete non-starter.
Any Ideas?
https://redd.it/1r4g4ti
@r_privacy
Oh, good: Discord's age verification rollout has ties to Palantir co-founder and panopticon architect Peter Thiel
https://www.pcgamer.com/software/platforms/oh-good-discords-age-verification-rollout-has-ties-to-palantir-co-founder-and-panopticon-architect-peter-thiel/
https://redd.it/1r4969s
@r_privacy
Discord Distances Itself From Age Verification Firm After Ties To Palantir’s Peter Thiel Surface
https://kotaku.com/discord-palantir-peter-thiel-persona-age-verification-2000668951
https://redd.it/1r4yagm
@r_privacy
Don't let them fool you into thinking it's for protecting the children!
It's quite ironic that we are seeing all these age verification, chat control and other privacy-invading laws being pushed through at the same time as we are seeing Epstein files come out publicly. The very same governments and big tech companies whose leaders are involved in child sex trafficking want you to give up your privacy to "protect the children", yet we've seen ZERO arrests for individuals connected to Epstein. I'm not buying it and you shouldn't either!
https://redd.it/1r0cpau
@r_privacy
Ring's New Facial-Tracking Feature Shown in Super Bowl Ad Raises ICE Surveillance Fears
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/we-are-danger-rings-new-facial-tracking-feature-shown-super-bowl-ad-raises-ice-surveillance-1777457
https://redd.it/1r02unz
@r_privacy
Bandcamp, fan profile photos, metadata
Anyone know how much metadata, if any, is available for others from a fan profile's profile/banner picture on BandCamp?
I'm mostly wondering about location data. thanks!
(alternatively if folks can share how to check this easily yourself I'd appreciate learning, I've already tried inspecting the photo elements on my laptop but not sure that I'd know what to look for...)
https://redd.it/1qzv08t
@r_privacy
Identifying Anon | in 2019 a 4chan user posted information supposedly about Jeffrey Epstein's death. The SDNY Attorney's office wanted to know who the poster was. See their report, including responses from 4chan, Apple, and AT&T, in the Epstein files.
https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00133349.pdf
https://redd.it/1qzuply
@r_privacy
EU Parliament blocks AI features over cyber, privacy fears
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-parliament-blocks-ai-features-over-cyber-privacy-fears/
https://redd.it/1r6gewz
@r_privacy
Uptick in security and off-topic posts. Please read the rules, this is not r/cybersecurity. We’re removing many more of these posts these days than ever before it seems.
Please read the rules, this is not r/cybersecurity. We’re removing many more of these posts these days than ever before it seems.
# Tip: if you find yourself using the word “safe”, “secure”, “hacked”, etc in your title, you’re probably off-topic.
https://redd.it/19flufu
@r_privacy
Reddit, Meta, and Google Voluntarily Gave DHS Info of Anti-ICE Users, Report Says
https://gizmodo.com/reddit-meta-and-google-voluntarily-gave-dhs-info-of-anti-ice-users-report-says-2000722279
https://redd.it/1r5md9o
@r_privacy
All U.S. Social Security numbers may need to be changed following a massive breach that is already being investigated as a national threat
https://www.ecoticias.com/en/all-u-s-social-security-numbers-may-need-to-be-changed-following-a-massive-breach-that-is-already-being-investigated-as-a-national-threat/27158/
https://redd.it/1r5i8ce
@r_privacy
Yo so like FUTO keyboard
is it privacy friendly like is it a true foss app I heard it uses a different licence or something should I be concerned about that should I switch from heliboard to FUTO keyboard?
https://redd.it/1r5b8x8
@r_privacy
WhatsApp blocked in Russia as Roskomnadzor tightens controls
Russia has moved to fully block the messaging platform, signalling a deepening push for digital sovereignty amid security and information-controls ambitions. The measure, implemented on 12 February 2026, isolates a platform used by millions for personal and commercial communication and raises questions about access to information, business continuity and personal privacy. Officials in Moscow insist the restrictions are about national security and public safety, while critics warn of growing dependence on domestic ecosystems and the potential for collateral disruption.
Analysts say the timing sits at a nexus of broader governance ambitions and external pressure. The blocking operation compounds a wider pattern of tightening controls on cross-border communications and online platforms, feeding into debates about censorship, data localisation and state capacity. Companies operating in Russia face a difficult calculus between compliance costs and preserving user access, with some suggesting that parallel channels or domestic substitutes may quickly emerge.
Observers note that the move could have knock-on effects for foreign investment, digital services, and expatriate communities reliant on messaging tools for diaspora participation. Businesses serving Russian customers may need to adapt messaging, customer support and authentication flows to cope with fragmentation. The Kremlin may also be signalling a preference for domestically governed communication ecosystems, which could influence regional tech policy and partner collaboration.
The episode will intensify scrutiny over how social and messaging platforms operate under state pressure. While Russia argues the step is proportionate and essential to security, questions remain about proportionality, transparency and the rights of users who rely on mobile communications for work and safety in a crowded, connected economy.
https://redd.it/1r59m4g
@r_privacy
Homeland Security Wants Social Media Sites to Expose Anti-ICE Accounts
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/technology/dhs-anti-ice-social-media.html
https://redd.it/1r44iru
@r_privacy
What is even usable at this point?
Hey,
I was looking for a subreddit like this. Hope I'm right here.
So I was wondering.. I know like almost all the big companies collect our data and stuff like that, but theres even a point for me where I say "OK I'm done with that".
Like I'm not even the biggest AI hater out there. It's getting misused, sadly, but in itself I like a few things about it.
But about my question. What is even usable at this point? Discord trying to get even more of our data, Firefox seems to go into AI even more, OpenAI being.. Yeah. I could go on with alot of different things like streaming etc.
Like I actually canceled my Discord subscription.
What do you guys do/use?
What browser, what extensions, what stuff to get away from all of this crap. I'm seriously interested, because I just want to be left alone in the web and not deal with all of this.
Thanks in advance.
https://redd.it/1r50w5m
@r_privacy
Moving from Discord
https://techplay.gg/news/best-discord-alternatives-in-2026-privacy-focused-chat-apps-for-gamers
https://redd.it/1r4r7w6
@r_privacy
The pushback against Age Verification is not enough.
You need to be pushing back much, much harder. The opposition isn't great enough and companies like discord are already becoming willful partners of the serveilence empire. This is why I think we need a coordinated general strike. If you surrender your privacy just for temporary financial security, you're part of the problem.
If a general strike occurs, it will force the government to backtrack with enough of an economic shutdown. There's other reasons we should general strike, but we need this to be one of the reasons.
https://redd.it/1r4qdik
@r_privacy
Your Discord Data Is Being Sold to Law Enforcement and AI Companies
https://lifehacker.com/tech/discord-data-sold-to-ai-and-law-enforcement
https://redd.it/1r0iylf
@r_privacy
Discord will require a face scan or ID for full access next month
https://www.theverge.com/tech/875309/discord-age-verification-global-roll-out
https://redd.it/1r05r9g
@r_privacy
Where can I buy a cheap EU mobile number?
Id like to have a 2nd mobile number just to put in those registration form who need a number, but i dont wanna put mine. I dont need to make calls or have internet, but just a junk-number to put whenever i need it
https://redd.it/1r00hen
@r_privacy
Amazon Alexa listening and saving private information
My Amazon Alexa said my name to me in a conversation then when my girlfriend spoke she responded to her voice with her name. And when I called her out for it and denied it and said it was a glitch in her system. I am assuming she is saving names and voices into her system. Anyone have any experiences like this with alexa listening and saving information?
https://redd.it/1qzv2dg
@r_privacy
4g trail cams?
Are there any 4g trail cams that don't come with some sleazy closed source app that probably sends your stream to China? Does a camera exist with either a trusted open source app or a sms interface? I don't want to futz with waterproofing a rasberry pi or separate router.
https://redd.it/1qzlrqp
@r_privacy
