Somewhere in Arizona, an AI-generated persona is chatting with suspected criminals on social media, pretending to be a real person. It has a backstory, a digital footprint, and the patience of a machine that never sleeps.
A growing number of startups are building virtual agents designed to help the FBI and other law enforcement agencies infiltrate criminal networks, gather intelligence, and build cases without putting a single human officer at risk.
Meet the AI that goes undercover
One of the most prominent players in this space is Massive Blue, a New York-based startup that has developed a platform called Overwatch. The system creates customizable AI-generated personas capable of operating across social media and messaging apps, engaging with targets in cases involving human trafficking and narcotics.
Massive Blue has already secured law enforcement contracts, including a $360,000 deal with Pinal County in Arizona for up to 50 AI personas. That works out to $7,200 per fake identity.
