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IRGC Threatens 18 Tech Firms
Iran's IRGC issued a formal threat against 18 global tech and AI companies.
“The IRGC claims these ICT and AI companies provide the tracking data necessary for the assassination of Iranian citizens”
The military group ordered employees to evacuate before 8:00 p.m. Tehran time on April 1.
Intel became the first major US tech company to respond.
Analysts noted this marks a shift in warfare with tech assets treated as part of the conflict.
IRGC Rationale and Legal Implications
The IRGC alleged ICT and AI companies were the main elements in designing and tracking terror targets.
The White House responded by saying the US military was prepared to curtail any attacks by Iran.
This escalation illustrates the blurring of lines between civilian commercial infrastructure and military targets.
Wider Impact on Global Tech and AI
The IRGC's threat highlights broader geopolitical risks facing the global technology sector.
“The IRGC designates these civilian hardware and software assets as military targets”
The Gulf region has become a frontline in a sustained targeting of tech assets.
Early March drone strikes on AWS data centers caused widespread outages.
Tech investments in the Gulf were seen as an opportunity to leverage cheap energy and strategic location.
