Facebook Wages Legal War on Company that Claims Its AI Can Predict Crimes

However, Facebook has taken issue with Voyager Labs’ methods. In a federal lawsuit, the social media giant claims that the tech company created over 55,000 fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram to collect personal data. The purpose of this data collection was to uncover behavior patterns, infer human behavior, and build a comprehensive presence on their target audience.

The lawsuit has sparked a broader debate about the ethical implications of using AI in law enforcement. Critics argue that the technology could be invasive and discriminatory. “This is invasive, it’s alarming, and it should be illegal,” said Will Owen, communications director at STOP, a privacy advocacy nonprofit. He described Voyager Labs’ tactics as “a new digital form of stop-and-frisk” that targets black and latino New Yorkers.

In defense of its technology, Voyager Labs has stated that it only analyzes publicly available data or data obtained through legal means. “If Meta is truly committed to protecting its users and acting in the public interest, then the use of analytical software by those trying to stop malicious actors should be embraced and encouraged,” said William Colston, a spokesperson for Voyager Labs.