The 25th anniversary of 9/11 has recently passed, accompanied by familiar discussions about freedom, our lifestyle, and the persistent threat of terrorism. In a sobering parallel, as the anniversary approached, the United States took action against an Italian digital collective known for providing pro-privacy services. This move of dismantling said collective under the pretext of combating terrorism raises significant concerns about repression, as well as the implications for digital freedoms in Europe.
To fully understand the consequences, let’s delve into the details of the situation and its broader implications for free speech, the digital commons, and European autonomy.
On August 26, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against Autistici/Inventati (A/I) as part of a crackdown on alleged “transnational far-left terrorist networks.”
Founded in 2001, A/I offers a newsletter, blog, and email services free of charge to individuals who support their manifesto, which staunchly opposes fascism, militarism, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Committed to privacy, A/I functions independently from prominent tech companies and surveillance measures.
The statement from the U.S. Department of State essentially condemns the A/I collective without presenting any evidence that it is indeed a “far-left terrorist network.” In their response, A/I stated:
“Antifascism and anticapitalism are not terrorism,” the group asserted. “Protesting is not terrorism. And everyone has the right to speak out and to struggle for humanity.”
In the face of this pressure, Italy’s Banca Etica—an institution that prides itself on ethical standards—swiftly closed A/I’s accounts to comply with U.S. demands and avoid sanctions. Additionally, the Public Interest Registry, based in Virginia, shut down A/I’s domain while the collective faced a cyberattack likely linked to U.S. interests.
With mounting pressure, A/I announced on September 6—a mere five days before the 25th anniversary of the Global War on Terror—that it would cease digital operations to protect its users and engineers from potential targeting by U.S. intelligence and law enforcement.
“We cannot engage in a fight or expose ourselves to manipulations that threaten the lives of these people and their loved ones,” the group stated in a statement. “The Autistici/Inventati collective is shutting down and will soon discontinue all of the services we provide.”
A/I is also suing Banca Etica for the closure of its accounts.
It’s crucial to emphasize that no evidence has been presented in any legal setting proving that A/I committed a crime. Most of its users consist of individuals and groups opposing the fascist and surveillance practices of Big Tech, many of whom also resist the wave of authoritarianism sweeping the Western world. Since when has opposing such ideologies become a crime, and why is it illegal to provide digital services to those who do?
The troubling answer seems to stem from a directive issued by Trump in September of the previous year—National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7)—which categorized common beliefs such as “anti-Christian,” “anti-American,” and “anti-capitalism” as acts of terrorism.
While the U.S. moved against A/I, European leaders remained silent. EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and other supposed advocates of freedom refrained from comment. This silence is alarming, especially given that the State Department claimed platform providers are now accountable for their clients’ content—a standard that has never been applied to Big Tech and contradicts existing EU law. Such passivity from Brussels signifies a potential erosion of EU autonomy and complicity in U.S. actions that equate anti-fascism with terrorism. As noted by French computer engineer and security expert Benjamin Sonntag, this raises serious concerns about the implications for European companies and sovereignty.
“Using Google ads or services from Microsoft or Adobe puts you at great risk of losing all your data and services due to unpredictable U.S. policy,” Sonntag warned. “The EU must recognize that the instability of U.S. policy is a significant concern.”
Why did the U.S. target A/I? To those in Silicon Valley, within the circles of power, this move serves multiple interests.
Let’s explore some of these motives.
Crushing Competitors to Silicon Valley Dominance
A/I’s motto, “Socialize knowledge without establishing power,” contradicts the objectives of the U.S. military-industrial-digital complex, which seeks to dominate internet infrastructure. Such control over media and communication channels ultimately benefits oligarchs with anti-democratic intentions.
Suppressing Alternative Political Visions
On July 16 in Washington, Secretary of State Rubio convened the Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism. During this meeting, Rubio and White House officials articulated the threat of the left, accusing anti-capitalists, anti-imperialists, and other ideologies of aiming to dismantle “our civilization” and everything “beautiful and right.”
They pledged to dismantle this “international network of terror.” The entirety of their remarks illustrates the urgency of the situation for anyone valuing freedom of speech, press, and other liberties.
It’s vital to recognize that these “terrorism” powers often persist long after their initial implementation, regardless of who is in the White House. Moreover, many individuals categorized as “anti-capitalist” are equally viewed as enemies by both major U.S. political parties.
Rubio and Miller presented themselves as victims of a vast array of violent protestors, dismissively stating, “Not one looks normal. They’re all deformed in some way.” Such claims come from figures within a powerful administration that inflicts violence globally.
Following Rubio and Miller’s rhetoric, the only way to confront these perceived threats is to remove individuals from rights—including financial, speech, and even rights to a fair trial or life itself.
Trump himself emphasized a harsh stance in the forward to a counter-terrorism strategy document, declaring, “We will find you, and we will kill you,” referring to those deemed “anti-American” or “anti-capitalist.”
As Samer Araabi, associate director of political education at the Center for Constitutional Rights, points out:
“This is not limited to leftist ideology. It’s a broad attack against anyone questioning authority. This so-called ‘other,’ which is undefined, allows the government to bypass due process. They can surveil, detain, and even deport citizens without justification.”
Currently, the dismantling of A/I and its popular noblogs.org platform poses challenges for various alternative voices, including anarchist and abortion rights groups in the U.S., as well as local initiatives like a Seattle book fair. Even if A/I had remained operational, American users could have faced severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, for using or donating to the group.
The Role of the Pentagon
Notably, the Pentagon’s involvement in the shutdown of A/I signals a deepening state crackdown on alternative media. The sanctions and account closures were not the only points of concern; A/I also encountered a substantial hacking attack.
Following the attack, “DataRepublican,” also known as Jennica Pounds, celebrated the hacking incident, stirring up further controversy.
Previously part of the Pentagon Press Corps, Jennica transitioned to actively working within the Pentagon as part of a secret program to integrate influencers into civilian roles.
In August, the Washington Post reported on her involvement in this initiative starting in July. Given her ties to DataRepublican and the Pentagon, questions arise about potential collusion in A/I’s hacking incident.
AstraRCE then issued a notification regarding the hack.
With a significant focus on European accounts, the data shared by DataRepublican indicates that Italy—and Europe at large—forms a critical nexus in the perceived “anti-capitalist” and “anti-fascist” movements. The lack of response from EU leaders is particularly striking.
In contrast, other groups have actively praised DataRepublican’s hacking announcements on Musk’s platform. A spokesperson for the right-leaning Turning Point USA celebrated the hack with an enthusiastic, “Well done, patriots.”
In conclusion, the actions against A/I not only highlight the precarious balance between national security and freedom of speech but also emphasize the urgent need for individuals and institutions to stand against the erosion of digital rights. As the global landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to remain vigilant in protecting the values that underpin free society.
