ADVENT | Organizations
The Bureau of Optimization
"We have only one life to live, it is on us to make sure no life is wasted or lost."
- Chief Jude Middleton, of the Bureau of Optimization
GENEVA – In a landmark piece of legislation, the Congress of Nations has passed the most impactful digital data usage regulation of the modern era. Introduced by French Representative Lou Donnet, it was endorsed by the Executive Branch, ADVENT Engineering, and ADVENT Intelligence, all of whom provided expert witness as the text of the legislation was further refined.
ADVENT had signaled that significant reforms on data regulation were coming, which drew some limited criticism from marketing companies and agencies, several of which sent lawyers to provide their own testimony before the Congress. Despite this, there were still many questions as to how this legislation would be implemented.
It appears that, due to the support from major ADVENT institutions, it was agreed that legislation coming from the Congress was the best way to accomplish this. "We were supportive of Representative Donnet's proposal, and we heavily consulted him before he brought it to the floor," Director Ian Powell of ADVENT Intelligence stated when asked for comment.
The text of the legislation, complete with amendments, was released to the public shortly before the final vote. The bill details significant changes coming to the Internet. All data collected on persons must be unidentifiable and unattributable to specific individuals, and targeted advertisements cannot target a specific person.
Advertisements can still be targeted by demographics, such as age and gender, and local storefronts are permitted to tailor user experiences, so long as they consent to the regulations. All data gathered with the intent to sell must be anonymized, and cannot be utilized in an active capacity outside of the original site it was gathered from.
While not necessarily related to the main purpose of the legislation, ADVENT formally criminalized the spreading of nude images without permission through an expansion of copyright legislation. While, previously, revenge porn and the unwanted distribution of sexually explicit images fell under sexual harassment laws, these amendments allow for far stronger legal action to be taken against those who participate in this practice - in addition to the longstanding sexual harassment laws.
This inclusion has received universal praise from cyberbullying awareness organizations, women's groups, and other activists who previously tried, unsuccessfully, to force stronger regulations and punishment on those who participated in this practice.
But not everyone is pleased with other aspects of the legislation, however. This was a major blow to marketing teams across multiple industries, which have become extremely reliant on targeted advertising, and has effectively killed the data brokerage industry, as hyper-targeted data packages are now not only useless, but illegal. ADVENT is also cracking down on pure data-harvesting websites, which were typically fronts concerning money or health, and allowed users to enter personal information, which would then be taken and sold to companies looking to advertise.
"This is a very disappointing day for us," Ruby Collins of PivotEye, a company that specialized in data brokering, said in a statement. "ADVENT claims that they are wanting to support businesses, but this is proof that they do not want competition. Everything we did, and all data we acquired, was done legally and ethically, and we took efforts to make sure it only went to reputable clients."
In response to the sentiment, Minister Suk-Chul said the following. "It is telling that this industry is claiming that this legislation 'killed' it, when in reality, the data broker industry has not been shuttered. ADVENT is not forbidding the selling of all data, it is merely regulating it, and protecting our citizens from exploitation by predatory companies and businesses."
Further complicating and frustrating the efforts of data brokers and corporations is the requirement that individuals be compensated when their data is sold elsewhere. Under this legislation, individuals whose data is sold to other companies are entitled to a fractional share of any revenue generated from the data bi-annually.
"It's ridiculous," an individual who worked in the industry, but declined to be publicly identified, said. "This is something these people willingly give up. They willingly share their habits, interests, and beliefs publicly. Why the hell are they entitled to money they put absolutely no effort into earning? This isn't about 'consent' or 'privacy' – they gave that up when they clicked the 'accept' button and pretended to read the terms and services."
There is rampant speculation that, despite the extremely small amount that is owed, that the money will add up, and make the practice of data-driven advertisement a thing of the past. "I doubt it will die out," a prominent marketer said. "But are you going to see companies transition away from it? Absolutely. It's throwing money into a pit. It'll generate some kind of alternative. I don't know what, but it is coming."
Another marketing insider offered this. "There's legal teams which are opening inquiries into the legality of citizens explicitly providing their data, something more formal, like a business arrangement than a thing you click on when going onto a website. That may be what comes next, but that would be costly – and potentially not worth it. Early estimates are that, if controlled, this wouldn't be illegal, but no company is going to risk litigation by ADVENT unless they're absolutely sure."
Privacy advocates gave cautious praise for the legislation. "It's far past time that our data that has made these companies so much money is working for us now," Jaylynn Mendi, a prominent privacy advocate said. "This protects our privacy, pays us for data we want to give them, and stops the predatory psychological exploitation."
The legislation did not appease everyone, as many other digital rights and privacy groups have pointed out that the bill, while it puts heavy restrictions on how data is used by companies, explicitly requires companies provide all personalized data to ADVENT, as well as give them direct input into marketing and social algorithms which can be directly manipulated by them.
"Everyone's focusing on the corporations," a woman who declined to be public with her identity said. "The corporations can't exploit people. Great. It also just transferred that capability to ADVENT. They gave ADVENT Intelligence, the Peacekeepers, and who knows what else full legal cover to learn everything about us. These data operations aren't stopping, it's just being managed by ADVENT now, and I don't like that."
ADVENT has not elaborated on that part of the legislation, instead emphasizing the consumer protections it offers. While they have acknowledged that all personalized data going to them is uncensored, Minister Suk-Chul downplayed the implications. "We are not doing anything we have not been legally permitted to do before," he said. "This legislation, in addition to putting new safeguards on a previously untamed industry, has streamlined existing processes, and will result in a significantly more efficient environment – one which is safer, faster, and better for us, and the people of ADVENT."
Article | ""This is the end of us" - Landmark Bill on Data Regulation Passed; To move to the Chancellor's Office"
Transcript of Presentation by Jude Middleton | "Human-based Data Utilization"
"We all know the true currency of the world – data. Information. The currency that the world is inevitably shifting to, using traditional currencies as temporary mediums, while what is valuable is moved between hands. We are all a hundred unique data points, all of which are valuable to someone, somewhere."
"There are the governments, the corporations, and interestingly enough, there is no one who is interested in data who intends to do anything but use or exploit it for their own purposes. We move throughout our lives, willingly apathetic; accepting it as the way things are in this digital age. Even if we try and minimize our digital footprint…we really can't. Not truly."
"Now the question – now, what is this being used for? Most of it is simple, petty. Targeted advertisements largely; some you may be aware of, but others you are not. It is as simple as showing you similar content you are interested in. You see, data is more than who you are or what your buying habits entail. Data is used to determine who, and what you are; how you think."
"Have any of you wondered how one can become radicalized in our so-called age of enlightenment? Where science and facts and boundless information is only a search away? The obvious answer is algorithms, but these algorithms ultimately act based on the inputted data. What you watch. What you read. What you are interested in."
"The consumer model our media operates on does not care what you watch or read – only that you do it. They want to retain you; to keep you on their platform. So they show you things that are similar to what you have watched or rated with no thought to the consequences. This kind of apathetic algorithmic consumption has turned otherwise normal people into radicals, sending them down a rabbit hole of misinformation, conspiracy, and extremism. And, unless there is a reckoning, it will only get worse, to the point where society itself becomes polarized into multiple camps that are not organic creations, but the artificial child of retention-oriented algorithms."
"All of this; all of it, stems from data – and how it is exploited. Most people will be able to keep themselves, but they will be subtly affected. Over time, they will become polarized as they are dragged further and further into the extreme pool of a previously innocuous belief. People's lives have been changed by algorithms and the data that allows them to work. This has been an accepted price, both because it does not affect their bottom line – and because it is legal."
"Here though; here is a question I want to pose for you: What if it didn't have to be like this?"
"What if, instead of the data being used to exploit you, it was used to help you. To save you; to make you a better person. Each and every day we are bombarded, manipulated, and gaslit into what we believe are organic thoughts but are actually a deep spiraling hole that few can escape from."
"Imagine, for a moment, if we could use this power for good instead of for profit. Do you believe it is possible to change a mind over time? Yes, I know you can do that. Slowly, subtly. If an algorithm can leverage data to turn an otherwise normal person into a Nazi or anarchist, why can it not do the opposite?"
"There is nothing that suggests that every single person is irredeemable; and for many it is not entirely their fault; once you are down the rabbit hole, it is often impossible to come back from. What I want to do, what I hope all of you will consider, is helping make that happen. That we make it so that a previous sexist champions equality, or that a far-right radical becomes a moderate, or a hardcore anti-government anarchist supports law and order. This is possible – and if we as a society decide that it is better to abandon these people to corporate algorithms, then perhaps we deserve the reckoning that is coming."
Bureau Proposal 048
Latest Revision: 5/22/2017
Designation: The Bureau of Optimization
Program Type: Data Mining; Algorithm Development; Population Control; Narrative Management
Authors: Jude Middleton, Chief of the Bureau of Optimization; Keith Watkins, Chief Overseer of the Oversight Division; Ian Powell, Director of ADVENT Intelligence; Chancellor Saudia Vyandar; Kyong Suk-Chul, Minister of ADVENT Public Relations; Amalda Stein, Chief of Peacekeeper Operations
INITIAL PROPOSAL: It is well-known that data mining and exploitation has become one of the world's largest businesses in recent years, and which, in short, allows a near-perfect profile to be created on an individual; their likes, wants, dislikes, interests, and contacts, all into one convenient package. This was most often used by companies to buy targeted advertisements for them, which would often see a large return, as, many times, the individual did not know their information was out there, let alone being used against them.
This kind of data gathering was not restricted to corporations. Governments have a significant interest in creating similar profiles, though primarily because such individuals pose physical or ideological threats to the existing state. Again, this is data or information which is exploited, likely without their knowledge.
This kind of data mining can be used for the good of citizens or to exploit them. Of course, we know that ADVENT Intelligence performs this kind of passive surveillance on individuals, specifically watching for troublemakers or problematic individuals. A noble goal, but one which also collected terabytes upon terabytes of data on wholly innocent individuals.
There is a final component to this, and that is algorithms. Data, typically these data profiles, determines what content an algorithm delivers. Their likes, dislikes, and various keywords fit together to create a list of content an individual likes. This was primarily used by social media and video platform companies to encourage retention and usage, by showing or recommending videos that they believed the individual would like.
The benefits of this tactic are obvious, but, in the realm of politics and ideology, this has significant downsides and dangers that no one could likely have predicted. There are many people who have been radicalized as a result of the mismanagement of algorithms and data, and more importantly, it underlines a fundamental truth about data exploitation that has existed since its inception.
This technology has the potential for greatness, to be used to encourage different viewpoints, to cultivate hobbies and interests, and, of course, to show people things they like. Instead, it has allowed individuals to cultivate ideological echo chambers, it has allowed the gradual descent of viewers into extremists of various ideologies. All done in the pursuit of retention.
It has permanently worsened the lives of many, and left ADVENT with a significant problem – we live in a digital age where ideologies, both normal and extreme, have become refined to become appealing to the masses. The minds who believe these extremist ideologies have mastered the art of marketing, in such a way as to be legal, but to nonetheless lead the viewer or reader down a specific path to the expected ideological conclusion.
This process of conversion is often slow, and usually not done by a single individual, but rather reinforced by multiple different, yet nonetheless similar, viewpoints. Ones which the person may feel obligated to click on or read out of curiosity, as, after all, it is of a similar topic. They will gradually come into contact with more radical material over a long period of time, through osmosis, if nothing else, and may end with radically different views than when they started.
It should be noted that this can, of course, work in the opposite direction – but it is rare. Humans are wired for simple solutions, direct enemies, and obvious answers. To understand context, to understand nuance, to think critically – that is far more difficult to sell. It must be sought out, and if there is one thing fairly universal about Humans – we do not like to be wrong.
It is far easier to reject evidence; to reject logic; to reject something which contradicts your worldview – especially if there is someone else telling you the same thing. If one is not challenged early on, they will default to the easiest solution. Be it because of online osmosis, upbringing, or social circles.
ADVENT finds ourselves with communities of people who are racist, xenophobic, homophobic, sexist, anti-government, and perpetuate disgusting and vile ideologies and beliefs – and many of them are simply mindless followers, corrupted by the actual masterminds and true believers of these obscene beliefs.
The question is simple – what do we do with them?
There are many steps that can be taken – steps ADVENT has taken which have already had a positive impact. The removal of all extremist sites, personalities, and organizations has removed the worst of us – but that leaves us with their many followers, whom we cannot simply lock up for wrongthink – not unless they have broken a law.
It does not help that there are people who look to create neo-iterations of these ideologies, ones packaged in such a way as to avoid culpability. We can certainly see what they are doing, but they are untouchable. It is similar to how far-right groups disassociated themselves from Nazis despite perpetuating similar beliefs, or how some anarchists rebranded as anti-fascists.
The truth, however, is that everyone, to some degree, has biases that are not anywhere close to the end of the extremist spectrum. We are speaking of known or implicit bias: conscious or unconscious prejudices that arise from one's culture, society, or personal experiences. A white man who is resentful towards a black man and believes he was given a job because of his skin color, a woman who cuts off a close relative because of their sexual preference, a Human who knowingly treats an alien worse because he holds them responsible for the crimes of their government.
Subtle, small traits and actions which nonetheless pile up. Society may change, but people's minds do not adapt so easily. Over time, the mindset of our species will shift to being more tolerant and progressive, and, frankly, the reason why we are not seeing more social conflict and unrest is because of the overriding alien threat.
This is where the Bureau of Optimization comes in. Our job, simply, is to accelerate this process. It is to leverage our vast array of data and algorithmic capabilities – and use it to make people better. It is deprogramming people from the harmful ideology and dogma they have absorbed, and making each and every one of our citizens smarter, more educated, and more tolerant.
Through this, we will reshape the algorithms that dominate social media, news, marketing, and video platforms to service the citizen, not the corporation. Based on the profile built of each citizen, we will be able to determine if they are in need of further optimization or not. Many factors will be taken into consideration for this part, and, depending on the results, they will be used to curate what they see, read, and hear.
What is important is that we are capable of seeing an unfulfilled need, and fulfilling it. If an individual is depressed, we can push mental health services, motivational videos, comedy segments specifically suited to their tastes, or other elements with the intent of improving their mental state. Perhaps this is exacerbated by loneliness or grief, and they can then be matched with a compatible, available romantic partner.
If they are holding problematic views, the echo chamber can be broken, and we can allow for other, alternative, content to be shown, and, just as they were radicalized through time and osmosis, they can be deradicalized in a similar way. This is the power of data that we can leverage. Through data, we know people.
And, if we know people, we can change them for the better.
OBJECTIVES AND MISSION: There are four major missions of the Bureau of Optimization, which will be listed below:
MASS CITIZEN OVERSIGHT: While this has been a mission partially undertaken by both PATRIOT and ADVENT Intelligence, both of those are interested primarily in the location and neutralization of dangerous individuals which actively pose a threat to ADVENT or are otherwise lawbreaking. They do not fully utilize the vast datasets on the citizen population for any positive benefit.
Through the Bureau of Optimization, we are not only capable of changing many people for the better, but also providing a better holistic picture on the entire ADVENT population than what currently exists, as we need to focus on all aspects, not simply the criminal elements.
DATA MINING REFINEMENT: This could be considered the largest data-mining project in ADVENT due to the sheer number of contextual variables for each ADVENT citizen. This will result in a significant improvement and refinement in our data mining capabilities, which will likely utilize dedicated machine intelligences to handle the sheer volume of data.
When the Bureau is fully optimized, we will be able to drastically expand and adapt our infrastructure to leverage similar data for ADVENT's future usages.
GRADUAL ELIMINATION OF EXTREMIST IDEOLOGIES: ADVENT is capable of removing ideologies at the source. Removing prominent ideological extremists was one of the first major actions undertaken, but deplatforming is only the first step – it is not the final. Ideologies have a habit of staying around, especially if the followers believe they are suppressed or part of a small, private group that thinks as they do.
Through the Bureau of Optimization, it will eventually be that extremist ideologies will not only cease to exist; they will be rejected by the people who once believed in them. An ideology will only die when it has been discredited at every level, and we will ensure this is done for all time. Combined with education, it will inoculate the next generation to be resistant to any extremist or problematic ideologies that develop or appear in the future.
The next generation, I am confident, is secure. It is the current generations which need to be addressed.
IMPROVED INTER-HUMAN RELATIONS: Through the Bureau of Optimization, we seek to produce people who are critical thinkers, tolerant of others both Human and alien, are loyal to ADVENT and believers in our mission and values, and who will help one another no matter what. There is no room for bigotry, no room for extremism in ADVENT.
If we have people who can treat each other, genuinely and sincerely, as simply individuals, then that will be a powerful factor in the years to come. Far too often, our species has been divided along the lines of race, gender, nation, religion, and creed – it is time we moved past that, accept the diversity of our species, and work together towards a unified future.
THE THREE PILLARS OF OPTIMIZATION: Now, it is time to address the lens by which we determine if an individual is fully 'optimized' – defined as an individual who is secure in themselves and those around them, and who is, in all aspects, a model citizen. It should be said up front that it will be a long time until we can say that even a plurality is 'optimized'. This is a long-term project, and, as the name implies, we are optimizers, we are not starting at full speed with a flawless machine.
It is also important to note that every pillar ties to the others to some degree, and, as they are optimized in one area, they will likely be optimized in others. The fully 'optimized' citizen is one who has reached the final level of each pillar. We expect there to be very few fully optimized citizens for several decades.
It is important to keep in mind a very key component of this system - that there is no one, single 'approved' lifestyle or outlook, and we are in a unique position, and carry a significant responsibility not to intentionally or unintentionally create one. When appraising an individual, it is their happiness and satisfaction with life which is most important - not the components of their lifestyle.
Some people desire a traditional family and children, some prefer living on their own and not settling down with anyone. Some people want a balanced lifestyle, others prefer always working, some prefer alternative creative pursuits. Some people are naturally social and enjoy the company of others, while others prefer to be alone.
No one of these is inherently better than any other. Our appraisal is only to determine if they are content in life, not judge their lifestyles. We must be careful not to weigh certain factors differently when determining the stability of an individual. This same care must be applied on the ideological spectrum as well.
Disagreement or opposition to certain ADVENT policies is not grounds for concern. Debate, critique, and discussion of ADVENT should be welcomed. We should not pretend that people do not have legitimate grievances with ADVENT, and should also trust that our institutions can withstand such critiques. And if they cannot, then perhaps there is room for improvement.
When considering ideology, it is important to determine from what purpose this critique comes from. It will not be difficult to tell legitimate critique from one who simply wishes to see ADVENT torn down. One is acceptable and should be encouraged, the latter can be safely dismissed.
The pillars are explained in more detail below:
LIFESTYLE: The first pillar of this lens is Lifestyle, which relates to the stability of the life of the individual. How is their mental health? Are they in debt? Do they have children? Are they divorced? Are they happy? Are they lonely? These are questions which are asked, that with data, we can effectively answer. There are four levels, from most concerning, to least.
EDGEWALKER: This is an individual who is in a severely poor state. They may be suffering from prolonged depression, have lost friends, family, or other loved ones, or they may be going through a divorce. They may have developed vices such as alcoholism or drug addiction, or have severe mental or physical health conditions. This is an individual who needs significant intervention, and is potentially at risk for suicide.
UNBALANCED: This is an individual who is in a more stable state, but who is nonetheless facing enough issues that they cannot be considered balanced or fulfilled by any reasonable metric. They may be unhappy at their job, be suffering from mild depression, or may have traits that make them irritable or angry. They are not at risk of self-harm, but they are in a place where intervention is recommended.
ACCEPTABLE: These comprise the majority of individuals, most of whom will have a stable job, a family or significant other, and a hobby or two that keeps them occupied. They may not be happy, or where they want to be in life, but they have the tools and motivation to reach what they want to.
STABLE: These are individuals who are happy, fulfilled, and have no significant mental or physical concerns with their health. They have a good work-life balance, a good relationship with family and children (if applicable and desired), and a strong and resilient social circle. This is the ideal state for citizens to be in.
IDEOLOGICAL: This relates to the ideological beliefs of the citizen, of which there are also four tiers, from most problematic, to the least.
EXTREMIST: This is an individual who has largely or fully accepted an extremist ideology, and regularly consumes extremist content, and may or may not attempt to convert others to this ideology. Deconversion must begin immediately, although for certain individuals, they should be arrested if they have taken a leadership position in an organization around the ideology.
FRINGE: These are individuals who, while not being considered extremists, hold views which are problematic or dangerous if they are perpetuated. These include many conspiracy theories, people who are historical revisionists, and those who hold bigoted views on women, religion, aliens, sexuality, race, or gender. Deconversion is necessary.
ACCEPTABLE: These comprise the likely majority of people, who are in lockstep with ADVENT values on tolerance and patriotism. They are not perfect, and may hold an outdated view or two, or believe in a minor conspiracy theory, but not in any serious capacity.
SOUND: This is a highly ideal ideological state, where the individual in question holds no problematic or extremist views (classified as those which pose a direct threat or opposition to the safety, stability, values, and mission of ADVENT), major or minor. This level of optimization is, truthfully, unlikely to be achieved by many in the current generations, and more likely to be observed in future generations without the biases many people grew up with.
NETWORK: This refers to a person's social circle and personal contact, be they from work, school, or otherwise. These are also organized in four levels, from most problematic, to least:
POISONED: This is an individual where the entirety or majority of their network is composed of individuals who hold or espouse extremist or problematic viewpoints. These people are most likely part of an extremist group or gathering, and their mindset must be changed before they will disengage with this group.
QUESTIONABLE: These are individuals who have a notable portion of their network who hold questionable or extremists viewpoints. These are typically balanced out by others who are more acceptable, but these others nonetheless have an impact on the mindset and outlook of the individual, and they should be disengaged from over a period of time.
ACCEPTABLE: Once more, the majority of people will likely fall into this category, where the vast majority of their network is acceptable, though they may know someone who holds the occasional outdated view, or is into a certain conspiracy theory. These individuals may or may not be close to such people, but are likely to be significantly swayed by them on matters of extremism.
STABLE: This is an individual who has no individuals in their network that hold problematic or extremist views or ideologies. This is currently judged to be the highest level of all of the pillars which a majority of people may be able to reach.
INTERNAL DIVISIONS: Within the Bureau of Optimization, there are four divisions with highly different focuses, which are detailed below:
DATA COLLECTION: The backbone of this Bureau is the data we utilize, and this division is responsible for the consolidation of all data and data profiles of citizens, where it undergoes quality control, contextual extrapolation, and organization before it goes into the algorithm. Much of this will be automated by machine intelligences or an AI, should one be developed, but there will be some manual curation for aspects which cannot be determined solely via machine.
ALGORITHM DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT: Though data is a critical component, it is impossible to fulfill the stated objectives of the Bureau if the algorithm which executes our agenda does not work. Due to the constantly shifting nature of the Internet and people who use it, there is always some degree of refinement that needs to be performed on working algorithms, as well as any expansions or revisions that it may need to undergo.
OPTIMIZATION RESEARCH: Trends change, ideologies evolve, and every dissident wishes to get ahead of us – this division's mission is to ensure that doesn't happen. They will be responsible for keeping up with those who intend to corrupt our people and subvert our measures, and account for this by collecting data which will be given to Algorithm Development and Refinement to update it, and prevent this potential corruption from spreading.
We intend to have this group be primarily composed of psychologists, sociologists, and other experts and individuals familiar with Human interaction, including marketers, speechwriters, content creators, and religious figures. This diversity of views will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of certain outlooks, and how best to optimize them.
OPTIMIZATION OVERSIGHT: Of course, an organization this important, with the potential to affect so many lives, requires more robust oversight than the threat of the Oversight Division hanging over it. It is important that we are careful in the application of our mission, which is to improve the lives of people and mitigate the influence of problematic beliefs and extremist ideologies.
This division will have multiple representatives from throughout ADVENT. ADVENT Engineering, ADVENT Intelligence, Oversight Division, Peacekeepers, and the Congress of Nations will all have representation in this division, and will ensure we are kept to our mandate.
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING: This will, overall, be a fairly small division, with much of the heaviest lifting done by machine intelligences, with a small group devoted for manual curation and algorithm maintenance and expansion. We will primarily only be recruiting experienced computer and data scientists, who are familiar with data mining, algorithm production, and system maintenance.
A mixture of intelligence analysts, psychologists, sociologists, and experts on digital manipulation, exploitation, and extremist ideologies will be utilized and recruited, primarily for Optimization Research, and will work to develop responses and strategies to potential emerging ideologies or properly combat existing ones.
The Bureau will also employ exterior specialists to a very limited degree, primarily pulling from existing qualified ADVENT affiliate programs. Partnered ADVENT content creators may be selected, as well as qualified individuals from select religious institutions.
AUTHORITY AND LIMITATIONS: The Bureau of Optimization has the ability to curate the online experience of individuals who use services, products, and platforms which ADVENT has a known presence in. ADVENT cannot control private platforms, nor manipulate them without reason. Fortunately, this only applies to a fairly small portion of the Internet, as we have legal operational authority over all search engines, social media, and video platforms, which is enough to fulfill our mission.
It is important to emphasize that while the Bureau of Optimization has access to all data collected, we are NOT authorized to disclose it to non-government organizations, corporations, data brokers, or other outside third parties. Data is only authorized to be released to the Oversight Division, ADVENT Intelligence, the Peacekeepers, or the Judicial Courts upon validated request.
The Bureau of Optimization is NOT authorized to interfere in any operations by ADVENT Intelligence, and must disable or tune the algorithm for them upon request, and can be ordered without an acceptable justification. All potentially law-breaking activities are to be reported to the PATRIOT Program, ADVENT Intelligence, or the Peacekeepers immediately upon discovery.
They are not authorized to conduct investigations, take legal action, or make any known contact with any individuals they encounter. All data collected and compiled by the Bureau is required to be fed into the PATRIOT Program, and to provide any information to PATRIOT as she requests it.
Please note that, at this time, PATRIOT is NOT authorized to perform substantial tweaks to or interfere in the mission of the Bureau of Optimization.
CONCLUSION: The Human mind is something which is capable of great intelligence, boundless creativity, and endless compassion. Yet what we are capable of is rarely attained, as our own minds betray us in favor of the simple and straightforward. The world is complicated and filled with nuance; it is filled with people of differing viewpoints and appearances.
Humans dislike the unknown. We prefer the conformity of what looks similar and is familiar.
If we cannot get past this, we will never grow as a species. When the alien threat is gone, how long will it be until such differences again rear their ugly heads? The problems mentioned did not vanish with ADVENT's creation – they merely went dormant, in the face of the bigger threat. It is not good enough for ADVENT to enshrine tolerance into our mission, we must eradicate intolerance. We must eradicate extremism. We must eradicate division.
That is our mission. We cannot risk our species collectively coming to this realization, because they will not. Our species is ill-prepared for the future, we are not wired for long-term cohesion and stability. That is what we promise to address. That is the mission we will complete.
When our mission is done, there will only be one Humanity. One which will be beyond nationality, race, and gender. It will be beyond pointless xenophobia and bigotry. It will be one, singular, unifying mission and purpose. All for the betterment of our neighbors, for the betterment of our species.
For the betterment of ADVENT.
"I've never asked, but always wondered – do you seek out these kinds of interviews, or does ADVENT have you on a speed dial when they want to get something out to the public right away?"
"Just curious. I think at this point you've interviewed every major figure in ADVENT. Pretty impressive, if I do say so myself. An independent journalist no one had heard of becoming one of the most well-known in the world."
"Ok, I'll stop the flattery. We have a lot to talk about."
"So, the name. I suppose it can sound a bit ominous, but I can assure you that it's not anything to worry about. ADVENT, as you know, collects a significant amount of data. This data on its own is fairly useless. And what do we do with data to make it work? We optimize it. Ultimately, in this case, the data we have represents people."
"Yes, people. Everyone who uses the internet has their digital profile. Their name, age, their likes, dislikes, hobbies, friends, and family. This is all ultimately data, crunched into little numbers and put into convenient and pretty packages. From this data, assumptions can be made; extrapolations of how they think or could think. Data, in this incarnation, is a stripped-down view into the mind of a person. Not as elegant as psionics, but a look nonetheless. That is what we manage."
"Yes, this does tie into the recently passed legislation. Our mission is, in essence, to make people better. You've doubtless encountered them; people who are racist, sexist, et cetera. Perhaps overtly, perhaps subtly, but they exist. ADVENT sadly did not stamp them out, and people can still be converted to that mindset because Humans, sadly, are predictable."
"In a way, I could describe it as poisoning. Malicious actors who produce the poison, and lure people in with the usage of clever words and arguments that twist and distort the truth. Radicalization is a problem exacerbated by the internet – I know some of your earliest work covered this, so you know what I am talking about."
"The process of radicalization is well known, but curiously, no one likes talking about the opposite. It's a bit odd, personally, but after doing my own research, I can see why. People…are difficult to deconvert. Nuance, complexity, argument, if you are so used to the straightforward and simple, it takes actual effort to change your views. It's almost impossible for it to happen naturally, through osmosis. In short, the Bureau I oversee intends to make this a reality, to turn the algorithm to something useful."
"How do I know it works? Well, that is a story. I'll give the brief version. I had a good friend in my childhood, close and all that. He moved away, and we didn't see each other for a few years. The next time I saw him…he was different. I didn't notice the changes at first, but the more I hung around him, the more he showed who he'd become. Talking about conspiracies, spouting some Nazi-esque beliefs about the Jews…you get the picture."
"It didn't take me long to figure out how he'd gotten this – which was especially odd because he'd grown up in a moderately religious household with a stable upbringing – he started showing me some videos that, and I quote, 'Explained a lot of stuff'. Now, what would most reasonable people do? Probably cut him out from their life. I gained nothing from associating with someone like this."
"Here's the thing though, I didn't want to. He was still there enough where I could think of him as a friend. I didn't think him irredeemable, even if I could clearly see what was going on. If I left? How many other people did he know who weren't part of his echo chamber? So I got a list of names from him; people he listened to and watched. From there I was able to figure out a list of who was connected to whom, and where they fell on the spectrum of extremism."
"It took a long time, and I learned more about the far right than I ever wanted to, but it helped. What I didn't know was what to do. The problem is that when you're radicalized, things like logic and facts – those don't work. Always propaganda by the 'other'. So I had to do some research of my own, find a few channels and people who had some of the same views as my friend – but not all of them. Fortunately, these people were a bit smarter than his usual sources."
"One day, I sent him a video. It wasn't even something I agreed with; just a take on a subject that wasn't off the deep end, and the guy who ran it also happened to be Jewish. Nice guy, smart too. Point being he watched it, and said he liked it. It wasn't anything fancy, I wasn't going to drop a video titled 'Why conspiracy theorists are idiots' – that's not how you deradicalize someone. But it was a start."
"This went on for…a few years. Me every so often sending him a video, and gradually seeing him pull himself out of the hole he'd fallen into. I could see it happening. We barely talked anymore about the extreme stuff, and it wasn't because he was hiding. He'd looked at other similar videos to the ones he'd watched. Read some articles I'd passed along. I'd like to say I saved him from himself, but the most I can claim is setting him on the right path, and every so often pushing him in the right direction."
"He never found out, but one day when we joked about something he once fervently believed…I knew it was over. He was back to his old self, and he was someone I could be proud to call a friend. I got a message from his sister one day out of the blue, thanking me. It's a good feeling, even if he did most of the actual hard work and self-reflection."
"No, I've not told this story before. I'd hoped I never had to. He knew I do talks like this, and I figure he wouldn't have appreciated being outed, or finding out what I'd done. Why I'm talking about it now is because he's dead. He enlisted in ADVENT right when the invasion started. Beijing."
"My point is that just because someone goes off the deep end…that doesn't mean they can't be brought back. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes a belief that people can be better than they are. We as a species have a tendency to assume the worst of people. That there can be no reason for why they think as they do, nor that people who are bad have good qualities. We dislike nuance. All that is good about a person is ignored if they say the wrong thing, or hold the wrong opinion."
"I'm curious how many people who follow you would have written off my friend. Someone who was better off being left behind. Someone to be shunned and ignored forever. One reason these groups can form is because of this rejection – understandable rejection, but it only drives them further into the rabbit hole, because the only ones who will accept them are the extremists."
"Now, the question – what do we do with them? Expect everyone to reach out to their questionable acquaintance and perform a years-long psyop to make them better? No, absolutely not. And that is where we come in. We have the data. We know how these people think, what they watch, what they like, what their interests are. With all this data, we can put it into a newer algorithm designed to slowly bring sanity back to these people."
"I can't say exactly who, but we've performed some preliminary tests, and it's been enough to confirm that this is valid to perform on a larger scale. It will still be slow, it will take years, but it will happen. And it will be done by a machine which can't get tired, depressed, or questioning if anything is happening."
"Yes, it's a heavy topic. Move on to something a bit lighter? Alright."
"Targeting is an interesting word. Yes? Of course we are targeting people whose ideologies are incompatible with modern society. They fall on all sides of the spectrum. If a person who is conservative is upset because we go after ideologies such as Nazism and people who spout racist and sexist beliefs, then it's perhaps worth some self-examination. It is the same for a person who is more left-leaning and praises the communist regimes of Mao, Stalin, and Pol Pot or those who promote anarchism and anti-law enforcement sentiment. Again, if you are threatened by the targeting of such beliefs, then you should examine yourself closely."
"This is a radical solution, but, frankly, the alternative is to do nothing. We have removed the worst offenders, but so often these ideologies are repackaged to be more palpable to the average audience. A person would never become a Nazi, but they just might be enticed towards far right "identitarian" groups who very loudly say 'of course we're not Nazis'. Those people are more difficult to remove, because they are slightly more clever than the bonafide Nazis."
"To do nothing here is to take a side. ADVENT must either accept that radical ideologies are a part of fringe ADVENT culture, or we move to crush it. In my view, and that of many others, letting such ideologies fester is a tacit endorsement. We do not want these views suppressed, we want them eradicated so that they do not poison the minds of any more of our citizens ever again."
"Yet, it is essential that the rejection be done of their own free will. The citizen must see the radical, and spit on it. Dramatic, I know, but you get the picture. They must see the radical and the intolerable as something not only to be rejected, but also destroyed. That doesn't happen if you just ban a video channel. Not without effort to wean them off of the ideologies."
"Am I giving away my game plan? Yes, yes I am. I'm certain that there are people who will watch this, and will believe they will stand firm. That they will not be manipulated by ADVENT. They are wrong, simply put. Because this is how people think. They will be hyper-aware for a time, but their guard will be let down, and they will change without ever really realizing it. It will be small things. They will watch the extremists less and less, they will associate more with upstanding people, and form closer connections to peers who are ideologically sound. I want people to be aware of us, and what we do. You have nothing to fear but becoming a better person."
"I agree that it sounds more extreme than it is, or more disturbing. We're not trying to make everyone conform or think the same things - that has too many downsides for anyone to rationally support. What is the key here is education. Learning. There are numerous studies showing that people who are more educated, traveled, and knowledgeable are more open-minded, tolerant, and curious."
"We want to primarily move people to this state of thinking. I don't see the fear some people have of an educated population. Tyrannical regimes fear the educated because they fear critiques, and they know their power is based on flawed or bigoted foundations, or are simply motivated by ego and power. ADVENT is more than capable of withstanding the rigorous realm of critique, provided that critique comes from a place of rationality and good faith. We welcome those who wish to make ADVENT better, though admittedly have little interest in listening to people who cling to the past, and simply seek to tear us down. Ah, I've gone off topic a bit. What's next?"
"Ah, I knew this question was coming up. Yes, this applies to everyone. Fortunately, most people are not extremists, so you don't exactly need to be deradicalized. From there, the algorithm is much more helpful. It's there to keep you as you are, to make you the best you can be. It becomes a tool to help you. If you're feeling sad, you may encounter a post, an image, or a video that will make you happy. If you're looking for a job, you will likely stumble across one which just so happens to be what you want."
"I don't want to promise the world, but what do we do? It's to make the life of our citizens better in small ways, from making them laugh, to helping them in life, to connecting them to see what they need to see. The Bureau of Optimization is not simply an anti-radical tool – its mission is much greater. We aren't just making the worst of our society better – we are helping everyone live their best life."
"I'm quite proud of the diverse team we've put together; people from all walks of life, of many different backgrounds and religious beliefs. ADVENT was hesitant to employ overtly religious figures, but the fact is that many people are religious, and what better way to contextualize and interpret the mind of a person of faith than have someone who cultivates that daily. Yes, the man you passed earlier was a Buddhist monk. Quite an interesting addition, but a very pleasant man. Let's see, next question?"
"Privacy. Somehow, I am not surprised that that is the immediate default. Let me ask a question – has privacy actually existed? Serious question. Is there anyone who believes that they have been able to use the Internet with any expectation of privacy? If so, I hate to inform you that you have been lied to, or have lied to yourself. Be it from corporations, governments, or hackers…privacy has never existed on the internet, and never did."
"The thing is, it has never been used for the benefit of the people. It has been used by corporations to exploit you for money, and destroyed lives and livelihoods along the way. It has been used by governments to suppress dissent. It has led to two-bit hackers harvesting information for ransom or sale. In all previous uses, the exploitation of privacy harmed people, or, at best, did not help them."
"Us? We are taking this information, and using it for the betterment of our citizens. We must accept the basic premise that privacy does not exist on the Internet, and move towards how best to use this. The answer is to ensure that the wrong people don't see it and exploit it – privacy from the corporations and foreign governments. But it is also to augment their lives in small ways, which can snowball into big ones."
"Do you want to know something funny, Miss Wong? You asked me this question on privacy because you think it's important, and some of your readers think it is important. It isn't. You've built a framework where privacy is an expectation. It was nothing more than a wedge to push an agenda, be it from the left or right of the political spectrum. But be honest with yourselves – how many of you have truly cared?"
"What did you do to fight back when you were supposedly censored, or when you saw that Google was selling information to advertisers, or when the data brokerage industry took off? Did you pressure your representatives? Did you boycott companies? Did you hold demonstrations in the streets? Or did you make an angry, vaguely threatening comment on a post, or sign a petition."
"People don't care about privacy, not truly. Not enough to fight for it, and the reason is because, deep down, they know it is something which has never existed. I have heard comparisons that ADVENT is authoritarian for openly observing its citizens. I cannot believe that is true, unless you also want to contend that the previous governments were also authoritarian. ADVENT is no more authoritarian in this aspect than any other; we are merely transparent enough not to lie to you about what we do."
"I'm certain that there are some people who are reading, watching, or listening to this who will vow never to succumb to the so-called conditioning. But like extremists, the guard will fade eventually, if they care enough at all to make such a declaration. And what is the result of this? What horror are these people seeking to avoid?"
"An intelligent, critically thinking, and tolerant species. It will take a long time, but it will happen, and I am confident it will."
"Do I expect backlash? Does my department? I suppose that is a fair question. Initially, perhaps. But the Human mind has a tendency to adapt. As I said…subconsciously, they will be aware, but even that will fade, and I dare say that one day people will thank us. Because seriously consider what people opposed to the mission of the Bureau of Optimization are proposing."
"Think of a situation one can find themselves in. They could be having a bad day, and come home and see something that cheers them up. They could be wanting to get an education, but aren't sure if they are willing to commit, and they see, hear, or read something that gives them the motivation to do it. Perhaps they are lonely, and find someone to spend their life with."
"Who exactly is going to dislike that? Who is going to look upon the faceless organization with resentment for making their day better, or helping them find a job, or giving them something to laugh at? The concept of a guardian angel is one I've found somewhat fascinating; an invisible entity that watches over you, and intervenes to help you. In a sense, we are the guardian angels of ADVENT."
"But the reason why we will be accepted? It is because we give people hope. Hope that no matter where you are in life, no matter who you are, no matter what you're doing, it will get better. They may not know exactly how, or in what way it will happen…but they will know that a new day will come, and they will be taken care of."
Transcript between Jude Middleton and Journalist Jessica Wong in ADVENT-sanctioned Interview