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22. March 2025
Pentagon Uses Ai To Erase Black History
The Pentagon’s Use of AI to Purge “DEI” Content: A Controversial Initiative
Recent days have witnessed intense backlash against the US Department of Defense over its decision to remove a webpage about Jackie Robinson, a legendary baseball player and Army veteran who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball during World War II. The controversy surrounding this event highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by government agencies, particularly in the military, to carry out initiatives deemed “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI).
In response to criticism, Pentagon officials have revealed that they are utilizing AI to delete pages about history that is perceived as too focused on DEI. On Thursday, Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell posted a video on X to provide clarity about the incident involving Robinson’s biography. Rather than acknowledging the mistake or apologizing for the error, Parnell shifted the blame onto the AI tools used by the military.
“Because of the realities of AI tools and other software, some important content was incorrectly pulled offline to be reviewed,” Parnell said in the video. “We want to be very, very clear, history is not DEI.” This statement reflects the administration’s broader effort to downplay the significance of DEI initiatives in the military.
In 2021, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense to eliminate military DEI initiatives and to excise any content that highlights race and gender. This move has been widely criticized by civil rights groups and others who argue that it undermines efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the military.
The controversy surrounding Robinson’s biography is just one example of how AI-powered systems are being used to filter out content deemed “too woke” from official military websites and communications. The use of AI for this purpose has raised concerns about censorship, free speech, and the potential for perpetuating systemic inequalities.
To understand the context of this initiative, it is essential to examine the broader trend of using AI in government agencies. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential benefits of AI in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making. However, as the Pentagon’s use of AI for DEI content deletion demonstrates, these technologies can also be used to silence marginalized voices and perpetuate existing power structures.
One of the primary concerns about using AI for this purpose is that it creates a culture of accountability evasion. When AI-powered systems are used to delete or modify content, it can be challenging to identify who is responsible for the actions taken by the algorithm. This lack of transparency allows those in power to deflect criticism and shift the blame onto the technology itself.
Moreover, the use of AI in this context highlights the need for more nuanced discussions about DEI initiatives in government agencies. Rather than relying on simplistic or divisive rhetoric, policymakers should strive to create more inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and promote understanding. This requires a deeper examination of how power is exercised within these institutions and a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities.
In addition to its implications for free speech and censorship, the use of AI in this context also raises questions about accountability and oversight. As government agencies increasingly rely on AI systems, there is a growing need for robust mechanisms to ensure that these technologies are being used responsibly and transparently.
Recent years have seen several high-profile examples of AI-powered systems being used to silence marginalized voices or perpetuate existing power structures. For instance, in 2020, it was reported that the Pentagon’s “CamoGPT” AI model had been used to remove DEI references from training materials for US Army soldiers. This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of these technologies.
The controversy surrounding Robinson’s biography also underscores the importance of preserving historical records and promoting diversity in government agencies. The removal of this webpage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of censorship and the need for institutions to prioritize the preservation of historical knowledge. By examining the role of AI in this context, we can gain a deeper understanding of how power is exercised within these institutions and work towards creating more inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives.
Furthermore, the use of AI-powered systems to delete or modify content highlights the importance of ongoing education and training programs for government employees. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent, it is essential that policymakers prioritize training initiatives that promote critical thinking, nuance, and inclusivity.
In the end, the controversy surrounding Robinson’s biography serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and civil society to re-examine the role of AI in government agencies. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making, we can ensure that these technologies are being used responsibly and promote a more equitable society.