Anti-police group says it's shutting down over terrorism sanctions
An Italy-based group is unable to keep providing digital tools to radical activists worldwide due to U.S. sanctions, the group announced on Sunday.
TL;DR
- The A/I Collective, an Italy-based group, is shutting down due to U.S. sanctions.
- The sanctions, imposed by the Trump administration, led a bank to close the collective's account.
- A/I Collective provided website hosting, encrypted communications, and blogging platforms to radical activists.
- The U.S. State Department cited the group for helping activists anonymize data for extreme content, including posts taking credit for attacks and doxing political enemies.
- The collective stated that continuing services endangers users and communities in the current political climate.
- The sanctions impose penalties for funding or receiving services from the A/I Collective, with a deadline of Sept. 25 for cutting ties.
- The A/I Collective denies acting as a vehicle for terrorism but acknowledged working with users who profess far-left values.