As we stepped into the midst of war-torn Gaza, my wife and I knew that our story could mean everything. We had rehearsed a stripped-down version of ourselves, prepared to speak only as a father and husband trying to survive. The truth was crucial, but so were our lives. We planned to avoid identifying ourselves as journalists, keeping our intention to escape through the Rafah crossing under wraps.
Our journey began on a shell-scarred stretch of road by the Mediterranean, where drones hummed above and broken concrete scraped beneath our stroller wheels. As we walked towards Netzarim, the militarized corridor of tanks, berms, and scanners came into view. The checkpoint was a scene of controlled chaos: soldiers herding crowds into groups of five, cameras watching, and snipers standing guard.
The seconds ticked by as Asmaa and Rafik waited for their thumbs-up – the signal to move on. Others were pulled aside. I kept my eyes fixed on our son, my heart racing with every step. Then, a soldier called out my name, and everything changed. The practiced version of myself went dead.
In Gaza, Israel's military assault has left an indelible mark. The campaign of mass killing, severing communities, and making homes unlivable was relentless, fueled by AI-powered surveillance. Drones hovered endlessly overhead, quadcopters dipped near windows and entered houses, facial-recognition scans monitored our every move, phone tracking followed us, and air-dropped flyers and automated calls broke with static before an airstrike.
Journalists, human-rights researchers, and legal scholars have mapped the surveillance apparatus in Gaza. But what's missing is how this technology reshapes daily life for those forced to live inside the matrix. It reordered our minds, making us question every thought, every action.
In response to questions about AI-powered targeting, the Israel Defense Forces denied claims of autonomous selection, stating that their forces "have never, and will never, deliberately target journalists." An IDF spokesman added, "The IDF is committed to international law and operates accordingly."
As I managed to flee Gaza two days after my encounter with Israeli soldiers, I heard from more than a dozen people living under this regime. One of these individuals, Marwan, a 60-year-old hospital administrator, initially questioned the significance of being watched. But soon, he couldn't stop talking about how constant awareness had twisted his world.
Khaled, an ambulance driver for nearly three decades, shared a similar experience during an interrogation. An officer showed him a private text message he'd sent to his family, highlighting the depth of surveillance. People told me they've even extinguished their own thoughts, fearing that interrogators and listeners could see inside their heads.
The Impact of AI in Mobile Apps
In Gaza, AI-powered surveillance has reshaped daily life, making every thought and action feel like it's being watched. The constant awareness of being tracked has twisted and narrowed the world, leaving individuals questioning every move. It's essential to understand how this technology lands on bodies, homes, and neighborhoods, and how it affects our minds.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complex landscape of AI-powered surveillance in mobile apps, it's crucial to recognize its impact on daily life. In Gaza, this technology has reshaped reality, leaving individuals feeling like they're under constant watch. By understanding how AI powers surveillance, we can better grasp the consequences and work towards creating a more transparent and secure environment for all.