TechRussian ‘counterterrorism’ unit used Meta’s Llama 2 to automate searches for dissent, but project collapsed

Russia’s FSB Second Service is officially responsible for protecting the constitutional order and fighting terrorism, but the unit is described as working in practice to suppress dissent. Its activities include plotting opposition assassinations, restricting internet access, and monitoring news for signs of opposition. In spring 2024, it commissioned Kazan-based Mikord to build an AI system for monitoring news outlets and social media. The project, called PAUK, or “SPIDER” in Russian, used Meta’s Llama 2 but collapsed after a year and a half.

RussiaFSBAI surveillancedomestic dissent

MMeduza★★★☆☆2026-07-15 20:11Original