The UK government is pressing forward with an AI-driven mass surveillance initiative, expanding the reach of its controversial disinformation-monitoring apparatus. The National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT), formerly the Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU), is behind the development of the Counter Disinformation Data Platform (CDDP), a system designed to scan social media for what it deems “concerning” content. The project, just like much of what the current UK government is doing, raises serious concerns about the encroachment of state censorship and surveillance on lawful speech.
NSOIT gained notoriety for its role in monitoring and flagging critics of government pandemic policies as sources of “misinformation.” Now, with the CDDP, this effort is being supercharged with AI, granting the government an unprecedented capability to sift through vast amounts of public discourse and take “action” against flagged content.
A government-issued privacy notice from 2023 acknowledged that the CDDP would collect and analyze social media posts, including usernames, political opinions, and other personal data. It stated, “To help us analyze the disinformation threats online, we collect content from publicly available social media platforms… the content we review may include the names and opinions of individuals.” This level of scrutiny, even into “special categories” of personal data, highlights the potential for overreach.
According to The Telegraph, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) recently allocated £2.3 million to Faculty AI to construct the monitoring software, which is purportedly intended to detect “foreign interference” and analyze online narratives.
However, concerns have been raised that the AI tool’s remit could be expanded beyond national security matters. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests suggest the government has left the door open to using the platform for a broad range of issues beyond its stated purpose. An executive summary of the project explicitly states: “While the CDDP has a current national security focus, the tool has the ability to be pivoted to focus on any priority area.” […]
— Read More: reclaimthenet.org
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
