Gen Z For Change Launches ‘Eyes on AI’ to Combat Surveillance
Every time you check Instagram, ride the subway, or use a smartwatch, you’re contributing to a vast surveillance network. Even with privacy precautions, your data is being collected, analyzed, and monetized by governments and Big Tech. Now, youth-led digital advocacy group Gen Z For Change is fighting back with a groundbreaking tool: Eyes on AI, a free surveillance assessment designed to reveal how your data is being tracked—and what you can do about it.
How ‘Eyes on AI’ Works
The tool mimics viral online quizzes, asking simple questions about your digital habits. It doesn’t require personal information like your name or address. Instead, it analyzes patterns such as:
- Apps you use daily
- Payment methods for groceries
- Frequency of spam emails
- College student status
By answering these questions, the tool simulates how AI-powered surveillance systems track your behavior. The results highlight vulnerabilities in your digital footprint, showing how data brokers and government agencies might profile you.
Why This Matters for Everyone
“Warrantless surveillance is entirely legal and AI is powering it,” warns the Eyes on AI website. The campaign targets a critical issue: AI-driven surveillance tools are eroding privacy for all users, not just activists or journalists. Cheyenne Hunt, Gen Z For Change’s executive director, explains, “Young people have been used as lab rats by these companies. Now, we’re giving everyone the tools to fight back.”
Key Features of the Tool
- No data stored: All analysis is done locally via JavaScript.
- Open-source: Code is available on GitHub for transparency.
- Privacy-first: No personally identifiable information is collected.
Combating Surveillance in the Digital Age
The Eyes on AI campaign also educates users on systemic risks. For example:
- Facial recognition in public spaces
- AI assistants tracking preferences
- Smart devices leaking location data
“We’ve normalized surveillance, but it’s not normal—it’s terrifying,” says Dominique Demetz, creative director at Gen Z For Change. The tool aims to disrupt this normalization by making surveillance risks tangible and actionable.
Take Action: Protect Your Data
After using Eyes on AI, users receive personalized tips to reduce their digital footprint. These include:
- Limiting app permissions
- Using encrypted messaging platforms
- Opting out of data-sharing programs
“Your future is for sale,” the campaign reminds users. By empowering individuals to audit their own privacy, Eyes on AI turns awareness into action.
FAQs About ‘Eyes on AI’
1. What is ‘Eyes on AI’?
A free tool by Gen Z For Change that assesses how your data is being tracked by AI-powered surveillance systems.
2. Does the tool collect my personal information?
No. All analysis is done locally, and no data is stored or shared.
3. How accurate are the results?
The tool uses real-world data from privacy watchdogs like Surveillance Watch to simulate tracking patterns.
4. Can I trust the open-source code?
Yes. The code is publicly available on GitHub for independent verification.
5. Why should I care about surveillance?
Surveillance impacts everyone—from targeted ads to government profiling. Eyes on AI helps you understand and mitigate risks.
Join the Fight for Digital Privacy
Surveillance isn’t inevitable. By using Eyes on AI, you’re taking the first step toward reclaiming your privacy. Visit the campaign’s website to start your assessment today.
