Welcome to Behind the Blog, where we share the behind-the-scenes process behind some of our most compelling weekly stories.
This week’s edition covers developers’ ongoing challenges with AI, the intricate details of investigative reporting, and a brief tribute to the Beach Boys.
ICE’s Surveillance Program with Palantir
Earlier this week, we published a story titled ICE Agents Have List of 20 Million People on Their iPhones Thanks to Palantir. The investigation required extensive sourcing—including interviews with four conference attendees.
The process began with a single source. After speaking to one attendee, we asked if they knew others present. This led to additional contacts and phone numbers, allowing us to piece together key details.
One critical line in the article read:
“The officials’ comments may need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but still reflect ICE’s position that Palantir is allowing the agency to identify people to arrest and locations to raid faster.”
This nuance was essential because the figures and statements originated from senior ICE officials, including Matthew Elliston, Assistant Director of Law Enforcement Systems Analysis at ICE. As is widely known, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a history of misleading the public.
Developers’ Struggles with AI
Beyond surveillance, we also examined the broader challenges developers face in the AI landscape. From ethical dilemmas to technical hurdles, the evolving AI ecosystem continues to present obstacles for creators and engineers.
A Musical Detour: The Beach Boys
No week would be complete without a moment of reflection. This week, we paused to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Beach Boys, whose music has shaped generations.
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