NEW: The Company Behind AI's "1984" Surveillance Scheme...

Over the past few years, the growth of AI and censorship has sparked fears of a possible and realistic “1984” America. And with the tech landscape today, most investors (me included) have thought it would mainly come from the Zuckerbergs and Bill Gates of the world aka: the guys who were probably picked on in highschool and just plain pissed off at the world. 

(Source: Redbubble) 

However, with recent events that have unfolded, it seems like FedEx (NYSE:FDX) has taken it upon themselves to lead the big brother surveillance charge. 

“Wait… did you just say FedEx?”

(Source: Giphy) 

Yes, I know that was my exact reaction too, mainly because this is the company that has been at the cornerstone of my wifes impulse buys and random gifts for the kids. 

(Source: Giphy) 

But now, it appears FedEx doesn't give a rats a$$ about its status quo because apparently they’ve been secretly moonlighting as a high-tech spy agency on the side. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. 

(Source: Forbes) 

To sum up the gist of it: It all started over twenty years ago back in good ole Tennessee when FedEx got the green light from lawmakers to beef up their security. But instead of just hiring more security guards, they went all-in and created their own private police force. I know… crazy. 

(Source: Associated Press) 

But what’s even crazier is that for the last two decades FedEx has had officers with full law enforcement powers, carrying guns, and even getting a seat at the FBI’s regional terrorism task force meetings. Talk about the ultimate “What da hell” plot twist…

(Source: Giphy) 

It’s like watching the nerd in your hometown become superman. Surprisingly cool… yet, kind of scary at the same time wondering if you ticked him off at some point. But alas, now that it’s 2024 and the AI craze is as hot as ever, FedEx is officially starting to use AI tools from Flock Safety (a startup valued at $4 billion) to monitor their cargo facilities across the US.

(Source: theCHIVE) 

Now while that seems normal, the quote on quote “monitoring” aren’t just cameras; they’re super-sleuths that track vehicles by license plate, make, model, color, and even unique features like bumper stickers. This brings in the 1984 correlation I brought up at the beginning of this article… because apparently, FedEx is sharing these surveillance feeds with local law enforcement. You know, ‘cause why not? 

(Source: Giphy) 

Yet, FedEx's involvement with Flock Safety goes beyond just static cameras. They are now collaborating on AI-powered surveillance cars designed to patrol neighborhoods and monitor traffic in real-time. These AI cars are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that can capture high-resolution images and videos, identify suspicious activities, and relay information directly to police departments.

(Source: Giphy) 

Simply put, these AI cars will be using machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns and behaviors of vehicles on the road. 

They can detect stolen cars, monitor speeding, and even recognize expired registrations automatically. Once a potential threat is identified, the system alerts the nearest law enforcement units, who can respond promptly. 

(Source: Giphy) 

Now obviously there are some good benefits to this (aside from the Minority Report vibes), but still, FedEx’s super secret “secret” has hit a nerve with some civil rights activists. 

(Source: Forbes) 

Lisa Femia from the Electronic Frontier Foundation points out that private companies like FedEx aren’t bound by the same transparency laws as police. Meaning, technically speaking, FedEx has the power to build a massive surveillance network and keep the public in the dark. Duh duh duhhhh…

Jay Stanley from the ACLU also finds it “profoundly disconcerting” that a private company has such privileged access to data normally reserved for law enforcement. It’s like handing your crypto wallet over to Sam-Bankman Fried. What could possibly go wrong? Alot my friend, alot. 

(Source: Imgflip) 

However, come to find out, FedEx isn’t alone in this new private sector surveillance game. Other big names like Simon Property Group (the mall overlords) and Lowe’s are also using Flock’s AI cameras and sharing feeds with local cops. Even Kaiser Permanente, the health insurance giant, is in on the action, sharing data with law enforcement in California.

(Source: Forbes) 

So obviously, at the expense of American transparency laws, the one person benefiting from all of this is Flock Safety. And while they claim their tech is helping solve crimes and making communities safer… Forbes recently found that Flock might have exaggerated their impact on crime rates and even installed cameras illegally in some states. Need I remind everyone of the 1984 cameo? 

(Source: Giphy) 

Because apparently it’s not all “AI is going to make our lives better” as some believe - there’s definitely more devious actions that are happening behind the scenes that may or may not lead to a Big Brother utopia. 

What’s more eye opening about all of this is that FedEx has officially dove headfirst into the AI game with the stock ripping 16.80% YTD. 

(Source: Google Finance) 

So clearly the market is digesting all of this as a good thing. Of course, it may not end well for us Americans… 

But hey, you’re reading this to make money. Not prepare for some catastrophic new world order. So go out there, dig into the numbers, and see if this secret AI play is right for you. What’s the worst that could happen… right?

Stocks.News holds positions in Simon Property Group as mentioned in the article.