Meta technology conglomerate’s flagship messaging service WhatsApp is under scrutiny for potentially aiding the Israeli genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, according to a prominent tech engineer. Paul Biggar, a New York-based software engineer and founder of Tech for Palestine, raised concerns about WhatsApp’s involvement in providing inputs for Israel’s Artificial Intelligence-based programs like “Lavender” and “Where’s Daddy,” which are used to target suspected resistance fighters.
In a recent investigation by +972 Magazine and Local Call, it was revealed that Lavender, an AI-powered “target machine,” utilizes data shared by Meta’s WhatsApp to identify characteristics of Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance fighters and locate similar traits among the general population. These characteristics include being in a WhatsApp group with a known resistance fighter, frequently changing cell phones, and addresses.
Another program, ‘Where’s Daddy,’ assists in tracking targets and notifying the Israeli military when suspects return home, leading to airstrikes that often result in civilian casualties. Reports suggest that Israeli AI systems, fueled by WhatsApp data, have played a significant role in the regime’s violent campaign against Palestinians in Gaza.
Paul Biggar highlighted various potential scenarios where Meta could be complicit in the ongoing violence in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 34,600 Palestinians, predominantly children and women. These scenarios range from employee collusion with Israel to security vulnerabilities within WhatsApp’s platform.
While the extent of Meta’s direct involvement in the conflict remains unclear, the company’s spokesperson has not provided a detailed response to the allegations. Previously, a Meta representative stated that there is no confirmation of the accuracy of these reports, dismissing claims linking WhatsApp to the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza.
