Behind the AI

Who funds, controls, and profits from the AI tools you use every day? Independent assessments. No corporate sponsors. Plain language.

Surveillance Pipeline

AI surveillance tools are developed in wealthy countries, tested on vulnerable populations, then exported back. This is how the pipeline works.

The Pipeline

1. Development
US Tech CompaniesAmazon, IBM, Microsoft, Google develop facial recognition and surveillance tools
Chinese TechHuawei, Hikvision, SenseTime export surveillance infrastructure globally
2. Testing on Vulnerable Populations
South AfricaPrivate security cameras with facial recognition recreate digital apartheid-era passbooks
KenyaBiometric ID systems deployed with limited consent frameworks
IndiaAadhaar-linked surveillance systems processing billions of biometric records
PhilippinesAI-powered content moderation workforce and surveillance testing ground
3. Export to Wealthy Markets
US MarketsLaw enforcement, border control, corporate security
EU MarketsUrban surveillance, border management, policing

Case Studies

South Africa: Digital Apartheid
NIST Facial Recognition Testing
Even Perfect Fairness Can Be Weaponized

“Without algorithmic justice, algorithmic accuracy can create AI tools that are weaponized.”

Joy Buolamwini, Algorithmic Justice League

Organizations Working on This

Disclaimer

Assessments reflect publicly available information and the published methodology of the Behind the AI Research Team. Grades represent analytical assessments derived from the published scoring framework, not statements of fact about internal company operations. If you believe any claim is inaccurate, contact corrections@behindtheai.org with the specific claim and your evidence.