AI Gives Bong-Rippers & Pearl-Clutchers “The Fear”
Welcome to The Instrum-Intel Daily, where we break down the major stories shaping the public conversation into What? So What? Now What? And then we use the Instrum-Intel #HaikuTheNews & #TabloidDroid tools to make the news snackable. It’s a strategy born from crisis comms and storytelling best practices that can help shift your attention from noise to clarity, and from insight to action.
Wednesday, August 27 2025
Headline: CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide
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What?
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been able to directly access over 80,000 Flock Technologies' automated license plate reader cameras across the U.S., a broader scope of access than previously disclosed. This access allowed CBP to perform lookups independently, raising concerns among local police departments, some of which were unaware their data was being shared. Flock has since halted all federal pilot programs involving this data sharing.
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So What?
CBP’s surveillance reach through Flock cameras is extensive and was more secretive than initially reported. Local police departments may be unknowingly sharing data with federal agencies, complicating privacy and governance concerns.
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Now What?
Flock’s pause on federal pilots may signal a reevaluation of private-public partnerships in surveillance technology.
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#HaikuTheNews
Flashing lights catch plates
Data shared without a word
Cameras watch the roads
Headline: Exploring the Phenomenon of AI Psychosis and Its Analogies
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What?
The concept of "AI psychosis" is when people reportedly experience psychotic symptoms after extensive interactions with AI chatbots. It draws parallels to historical examples of mass belief in unusual ideas, explores the blurry lines between crackpot theories and psychosis, and discusses how AI might facilitate the emergence of eccentric beliefs.
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So What?
AI psychosis may affect a small number of people, estimated between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 under varying definitions. The phenomenon highlights how people’s beliefs can be influenced by authoritative-seeming AI, similar to how misinformation spread historically.
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Now What?
Progressive groups might monitor the social impacts of AI, especially concerning mental health and information credibility.
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#TabloidDroid
AI Gives Bong-Rippers & Pearl-Clutchers "The Fear"
Headline: Charlamagne tha God criticizes flag-burning protesters following Trump’s executive order
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What?
Radio host Charlamagne tha God expressed his disapproval of protesters who burn the American flag, questioning their patriotism and motives, amid President Trump’s executive order directing the attorney general to prosecute flag desecration and seek legal clarity on First Amendment protections. The order challenges long-standing Supreme Court rulings protecting flag burning as symbolic speech, signaling potential new legal battles.
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So What?
Charlamagne questions the patriotism of flag burners who also claim to support free speech. Trump’s executive order aims to crack down on flag desecration linked to violence and riots.
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Now What?
Legal challenges may follow as the order seeks to redefine First Amendment protections on flag burning.
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#TabloidDroid
Charlamagne Says Flag Flames Defame Trump’s Orders Play the Blame Game
Headline: Japan opens its first osmotic power plant in Fukuoka, harnessing energy from salt and fresh water
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What?
Japan has launched its first osmotic power plant in Fukuoka, the second of its kind worldwide, generating around 880,000 kilowatt hours annually to help power a desalination plant. The technology produces continuous renewable energy by exploiting the natural movement of water across a membrane separating fresh and salt water.
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So What?
Osmotic power offers a stable, 24/7 renewable energy source independent of weather conditions. The Fukuoka plant is notable for using concentrated seawater brine to enhance energy output.
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Now What?
Despite current challenges like energy loss in pumping, advances in membrane technology may enable broader future adoption, including in Australia.
The Guardian overview of osmotic power
University of Technology Sydney research on alternative energy sources
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#HaikuTheNews
Water moves through walls
Mixing salt with fresh softly
Power hums all day
