Alena Popova Profile Banner
Alena Popova Profile
Alena Popova

@alenapopova

Followers
3,944
Following
2,587
Media
292
Statuses
3,209

Founder at Cyber Guardians for Democracy | Cyber threats & Geopolitics | NR Fellow @ASPI_org | Former Fellow @TheWilsonCenter , @DCRES_Harvard , and @VitalVoices

Global
Joined December 2009
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
China has become Russia's main trading partner. The Kremlin will deeply regret that it traded partnership with the West for obedience to China.
47
99
448
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
Russia's global share of major arms exports is significantly decreasing: 2018: 25.8% 2019: 20.4% 2020: 16.3% 2021: 10.7% 2022: 8.8% In 2013, Russia had the largest share at 29%. Now, it falls behind not only the US (45.4%), but also France (9.4%).
37
117
397
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
1 year
Kyrgyzstan is helping Russia circumvent sanctions by supplying sensitive electronics for firms associated with Russia's defense industry.
28
181
293
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
The Elbrus and Baikal chips were developed in Russia but produced in Taiwan. Today, the head of the Russian Ministry of Digital Transformation announced that Taiwanese manufacturers refused to ship already produced Elbrus and Baikal chips to Russia.
Tweet media one
18
47
280
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 months
Russia is the most significant source of global cybercrime and serves as the top hub for digital threat actors worldwide, according to the newly released World Cybercrime Index.
Tweet media one
18
105
200
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
3 months
The recent election winner and Thailand's opposition leader, @Pita_MFP , continues to fight for his country despite huge challenges. He is featured in the launch episode of the @PolPossible podcast, which I co-host with the amazing @EvanFeigenbaum .
Tweet media one
4
90
138
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 months
Russia is going to provide Iran with advanced fighter jets and air defense technology, assets that could help Tehran strengthen its defenses against any future airstrikes by Israel or the U.S.
23
50
73
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
10 days
Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) blocked numerous Russian influence operation assets in July, including the termination of thousands of YouTube channels and the removal of several domains promoting pro-Russian content critical of Ukraine and the West.
2
20
67
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Ethical guidelines are a useful tool when they are used to raise the bar above and beyond existing rights protections. But ‘ethics’ is being used as a mechanism to lower the bar, allowing those responsible for potential misuse to evade accountability
3
28
61
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
China has banned the export of Loongson processors to Russia. The technology is recognized as strategically important and is used in the military-industrial complex of China. This is what “friendship without limits” with China looks like.
Tweet media one
4
29
54
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
3 years
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced the beginning of the serial production of artificial intelligence combat robots capable of acting autonomously on the battlefield. We continue to demand the ban of such weapons systems @BanKillerRobots
3
31
53
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 months
For the first time in 25 years, the opposition in Venezuela is led by a woman, @MariaCorinaYA . In a new episode of the @PolPossible podcast, opposition leader @dsmolansky joins me and @EvanFeigenbaum to discuss strategies for outsmarting a dictator.
2
22
50
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
My latest piece on the spread of Russian digital surveillance tools around the world. Infrastructure of digital authoritarianism continue to be supported and purchased even by the West. Thanks to @CEPA for publishing the article
1
20
46
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
U.S.-Canadian firm Sandvine supplied equipment to Russia that was used for censorship and surveillance. Export controls are needed to prevent Western companies from supplying such equipment to authoritarian regimes
1
21
39
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Western semiconductor developers left Russia after the start of the war in Ukraine, but their chips continue to be shipped to Russia. Supply chains have become more complex, but they have not disappeared.
0
17
40
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
We are campaigning for #bankillerrobots at #CCWUN It’s highly important to be a part of @BanKillerRobots to prevent the use of #ai in inappropriate way that violates human rights in the whole world!
Tweet media one
2
11
39
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russian state corporation Rosatom buys semiconductor developer Elbrus. Rosatom is buying up assets in the Russian microelectronics market in order to combine them into a single holding. The Kremlin wants to have its own semiconductors.
4
21
40
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
A very interesting discussion between @MarkGaleotti and Marlene Laruelle about the place of war in Putin's thinking took place at the @IERES_GWU .
Tweet media one
1
4
38
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
As a result of the sanctions, exports to Russia collapsed not only from Europe and the US, but also from its key Asian trading partners, even those not participating in sanctions. This is a serious blow primarily to the technology sector. Data provided by @BOFITresearch
Tweet media one
0
16
36
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russia’s imports of chips and chip components were nearing their prewar monthly average by late 2022, more than half of which came from China.
1
31
36
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Russian court ruled that law enforcement agencies can use facial recognition technology. Today we filed an appeal against such a court decision. We won’t stop until facial recognition is banned in Russia.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
0
13
29
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
1 year
I was happy to meet @paul_scharre and discuss the usage of AI by autocracies and democracies - one of the main challenges in the 21 century. His book Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of AI is an absolute must-read. Thank you @joshuachuminski and @CSPC_DC for hosting the event
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
0
7
32
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
4 years
We, the activists of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots @BanKillerRobots , are appealing to UN Secretary General Antonio Gutieras @antonioguterres to facilitate the signing of an agreement banning the development, production and use of fully autonomous lethal weapons systems.
2
8
32
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
Please welcome @NoelSharkey He chairs the International Committee for Robot Arms Control, an NGO that is seeking an International treaty to prohibit the development and use of autonomous robot weapons #ccwun #killerrobots @BanKillerRobots
Tweet media one
1
8
28
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
9 months
10 Western countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, have created a system called the Tallinn Mechanism to protect Ukraine from Russia's cyberattacks. This is a great example of Western coordination that could also be applied to protect other nations.
Tweet media one
1
10
27
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Putin instructed the Foreign Intelligence Service to obtain technologies for industry. It seems that after the sanctions, the Kremlin has little hope for the development of Russian science
2
16
26
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russia's serious economic problems, low standard of living, repressions, lack of basic rights and freedoms had practically no effect on support for the current Russian political regime within the country. The propaganda machine turned out to be indispensable for the Kremlin
2
8
24
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
The little son of my friend said that he would like to be a part of @BanKillerRobots He is 8! I asked: why? He answered: It’s so important for the whole world. We need to involve more young people in the campaign. #KillerRobots #ccwun
Tweet media one
3
9
24
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
We need to fight for peace and security not with the help of new types of weapons such as #killerrobots but to declare equality and tech for good. This is the conclusion of #ccwun for me and @BanKillerRobots No matter what states are fighting for. Civil society fights for peace
Tweet media one
0
9
25
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
“People found that it made up fake papers (sometimes attributing them to real authors), and generated wiki articles about the history of bears in space as readily as ones about protein complexes and the speed of light.”
0
3
23
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
All countries need to support @BanKillerRobots . Watch this video @NoelSharkey This is the critical issue #ccwun #killerrobots
0
9
18
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
21 days
Researchers recently found the campaign targets government and military officials with multiple lures focused on the relationship between NATO and the Czech Republic. The threat actor is most likely of Russian origin.
0
8
19
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
I filed a lawsuit against the Moscow аdministration for violating my privacy rights by using facial recognition cameras. In the hands of an authoritarian regime, this technology is even more dangerous. Facial recognition should be banned
Tweet media one
1
7
17
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
3 months
@EvanFeigenbaum @MFPThailand @PolPossible @Pita_MFP @Pita_MFP , after our conversation, I once again believe that the future depends on us, even if it sometimes seems otherwise! Thank you for the inspiration. We are closely following your trial.
1
16
18
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
I was very happy to meet @nathanlawkc . He is one of the inspiring leaders of the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong in 2014. At the age of 23, Law was elected to serve as a legislator for Hong Kong Island! Now, as a result of Beijing's persecution, he has to live in exile.
Tweet media one
1
1
19
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
On Wednesday in San Francisco, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping may agree on a ban on the use of AI in autonomous weapons, such as drones, and in the control and deployment of nuclear warheads. This could become a pivotal historical decision.
4
8
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Nokia helped the Kremlin build a surveillance regime in Russia. Digital autocracies around the world are often created with the help of Western companies
1
11
18
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
I said hello to Russian official delegates. I have a dream that one day my country (Russia) will rise up and say: "We #bankillerrobots because we use tech for the peace. We are for the ethics in tech.We believe in the peaceful world for all human beings”. #CCWUN @BanKillerRobots
Tweet media one
0
5
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
7 months
North Korean hackers have infiltrated two South Korean semiconductor equipment firms, potentially to steal intelligence for a domestic chipmaking program. Intellectual property theft is what drives technological development in autocracies.
2
8
17
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
I strongly believe that we need to #bankillerrobots asap. You can help if you be a part of our movement for peace and security but not for war and #killerrobots . Let’s fight for the peaceful future together! @BanKillerRobots #ccwun #techwontbuildit
0
4
16
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Moscow authorities promised to use facial recognition at opposition rallies. And they did it. Today I was at a rally in Moscow to demand release of political prisoners and facial recognition cameras were everywhere
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
Tweet media three
2
9
16
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
8 months
Taiwan has launched a research center dedicated to the study of cognitive warfare. The center comprises three divisions: data compilation and research, cognitive warfare analysis, and a swift response unit for countering fake news.
Tweet media one
0
5
12
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
This robot’s name is Maria. Maria is a feminist and our best negotiator. Diplomats who do not agree to sign a ban on lethal autonomous weapon systems will deal with her.
Tweet media one
1
10
16
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Today my colleague @scrawnya presented at @CSPC_DC her new book “Hybrid Warriors: Proxies, Freelancers and Moscow's Struggle for Ukraine.” Extremely interesting reading! The book can be pre-ordered here:
Tweet media one
0
5
16
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
The Russian government plans to produce modern lithographs for chip production and compete with the industry leaders - the Dutch ASML and the Japanese Nikon. In the number of unfulfilled promises, Russian officials are one of the leaders in the world.
Tweet media one
0
4
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
The market for fully and semi-autonomous weapons systems continues to grow. This is one of the most dangerous technologies for humanity @BanKillerRobots
Tweet media one
2
10
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russia and Iran are building a trade route that defies sanctions.
Tweet media one
0
11
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
1 year
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has called for IT specialists who have left to return. Under the guise of good working conditions, they will be handed a rifle and sent to war. Another lie.
Tweet media one
5
4
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
Arrived in Geneva as a @bankillerrobots delegate to fight for a preemptive ban on #KillerRobots #CCWUN
Tweet media one
0
5
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
We organized the first press-event in Russia (Moscow) about @BanKillerRobots with the representatives from the academia, mass-media, NGOs, official authorities. Our center Ethics&Tech founded with the help of Russian scientists who strongly support the ban of #killerrobots
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
Tweet media three
Tweet media four
2
4
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
I am glad to share my piece for @ForeignAffairs on Russia's strong dependency on Western tech and its doomed attempts to replace it with Chinese alternatives. The West, for now, is poorly utilizing its tech leadership in the standoff with autocracies.
2
8
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
1. Snow and weather 2. Pavement lines and curbs 3. Dealing with human drivers 4. Left turns 5. Consumer acceptance
0
9
15
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
During the morning panel with our great speakers from @BanKillerRobots we discussed moral, ethical objections, legal concerns, human rights challenges and proliferation/definitions of #killerrobots or fully autonomous weapons. We are working to prohibit fully autonomous weapons.
Tweet media one
0
9
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
In Russia, the Kremlin now issues state awards for propaganda of war, and the status of a foreign agent for attempts to resist it. Today I was added to the list of the Russian Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent. Only for speaking out against the war.
Tweet media one
2
3
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
“It is being supplied by a network of third-party vendors in places like Turkey and Asia that have sprung up without Cisco’s authorization and are largely out of reach of American enforcement.”
1
5
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
You do not need an ethicist or ethics council to understand that autonomous lethal weapons systems must be banned. Just follow International humanitarian law and respect human rights @BanKillerRobots
2
9
14
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
For ex, men more often spoke about BENEFITS of #killerrobots and women are about #dignity #humanity #risks in terms of killer robots. It’s time for more women to sit at the table! @BanKillerRobots @cisp_astana #astana
Tweet media one
0
1
12
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 months
Among the groups assessed to operate from North Korea, APT45 has been the most frequently observed targeting critical infrastructure. In 2019, APT45 specifically targeted nuclear research facilities and nuclear power plants.
Tweet media one
0
6
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Today there was an excellent and very informative presentation from @MSnegovaya at @ElliottSchoolGW .
@ponarseurasia
PONARS Eurasia
2 years
Maria Snegovaya @CERESMunk Georgetown University: “Fighting Yesterday’s War: Soviet Influences in Putin’s Foreign Policy” PONARS Eurasia Fall Policy Conference 2022 @MSnegovaya #PONARS
Tweet media one
2
4
13
0
1
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
10 months
@simongerman600 @MikeNelson Since the Vikings used rivers to travel from Scandinavia to Byzantium, they established a large circular trade route around Europe. As a result, they actively utilized the Mediterranean Sea.
Tweet media one
1
2
12
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Huawei is going to close division of Enterprise Business Group in Russia which provided deliveries of data storage systems and the telecom equipment for corporate clients. Experts believe that the supply of equipment will continue through intermediaries.
Tweet media one
0
6
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
3 months
Affiliates of RT, a Russian state media, used Meliorator - a covert AI-enhanced software package - to create fictitious online personas that posted content on X, targeting the U.S., Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ukraine, and Israel.
Tweet media one
0
10
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Yesterday we had a meeting with academia representatives at Russian science academy. I presented the @BanKillerRobots and have strong support of well-known Russian scientists
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
0
4
13
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
4 years
Russia refuses to ban fully autonomous lethal weapons systems and is actively researching, developing, and investing in the creation of such systems. This is an irresponsible position that leads to human rights violations. @BanKillerRobots
2
4
11
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
The Kremlin is building a centralized system for storing and managing the biometric data of Russians.
Tweet media one
1
6
12
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
I am so inspired to be a part of @BanKillerRobots with @lizjosullivan as Liz a good role model for everybody in tech! Read her explanation why she is fighting against #killerrobots #CCWUN
Tweet media one
0
4
12
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Today @andrewsweiss at @CarnegieEndow presented his great new graphic novel “Accidental Czar: The Life and Lies of Vladimir Putin.” Thanks to @juliaioffe for moderating the event. The book can be purchased here:
Tweet media one
0
1
11
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
We are try to #lobbying in the #un the #bankillerrobots As in our @BanKillerRobots we think that it’s the major issue for the peaceful future of the whole world. Hope that my country #russia will listen to my arguments #CCWUN
Tweet media one
1
4
11
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
3 years
At least somewhere in the world, the authorities are thinking about the safe use of artificial intelligence.
0
2
11
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Tweet media one
1
4
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russian code found in thousands of american apps, including apps from CDC and U.S. Army. Organizations thought that the company that developed the code was based in the U.S. capital.
0
6
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
1 month
A network of over 5,000 fake X accounts, likely coordinated by an LLM system, has been uncovered. These accounts focus on divisive U.S. political issues and are controlled by a system with strong ties to China.
0
12
11
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
CEO of French giant Thales says there is one application of the technology that his firm will never pursue: autonomous killing machines
1
12
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russia, in order to circumvent sanctions, arranged the supply of electronics and semiconductors from Western companies through intermediaries in Turkey, Hong Kong, and Estonia. The Russian war machine is still partially powered by Western technology.
1
13
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
"The committee now recommends an even stronger measure, requesting that platforms be subject to a Compulsory Code of Ethics that would be overseen by an independent regulator..."
1
2
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Earlier this year TSMC faced major turmoil after Russia destroyed Cryoin and Ingas, two major producers of high-purity neon, in Odessa and Mariupol in the first days of war.
0
5
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Video streams of cameras from all over Russia will be collected and analyzed in Moscow. The Kremlin is building a centralized video surveillance system.
Tweet media one
1
6
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
1 year
China can help the Kremlin build the Great Firewall of Russia. During Xi's visit to Moscow, the two sides agreed on the supply of the Chinese firewall system parts to Russia.
Tweet media one
1
3
9
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Amos Tversky: "My colleagues, they study artificial intelligence; me, I study natural stupidity." To address the growing issues of bias in AI, it may be valuable to look at the pitfalls and failures of cognition
0
6
10
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
The operation of Russian airlines is based on more than 500 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The flagship Russian aircraft, the Sukhoi SuperJet 100, was supposed to replace many of them. Sukhoi SuperJet 100 aircraft production: 2019: 18 2020: 11 2021: 12 2022: 10 2023 (planned): 6
1
6
4
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
21 days
Deutsche Flugsicherung, the German state-owned company responsible for the country’s air traffic control, has confirmed it was hit by a cyberattack. The incident is suspected to have been caused by the Russian state-sponsored APT28.
0
11
9
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
I’m upset by my country's position on a new treaty against #killerrobots . Russia and US delegations consist mainly of male pro-militarists. Their mistakes and their ego will cost the millions of human lives in the whole world. Nightmare! @BanKillerRobots #ai
Tweet media one
1
4
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Last day of this #ccwun session. @BanKillerRobots try to help the Hight Contracting Parties to become the champions in terms of #bankillerrobots . We all need to protect the world and leave in peace. We insist on #stopkillerrobots as the only way to stop the new arms race
Tweet media one
0
5
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
The export of Russian military products to India over the past five years has exceeded $13 billion. Despite Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, India expects more than $10 billion worth of military products from Russia to be delivered.
Tweet media one
1
5
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
Russian state-controlled company NtechLab, which helps the Kremlin build digital authoritarianism in Russia, supplies its solutions to major Western companies
0
4
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
11 months
This is a tremendous achievement for the multi-year campaign @BanKillerRobots
@BanKillerRobots
Stop Killer Robots
11 months
WE DID IT. AND WE DID IT TOGETHER. ✊ On Wednesday, in a historic moment, the first-ever resolution on autonomous weapons was voted on and adopted by 164 states at the UN First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. #VoteAgainstTheMachine 1/4
2
38
71
1
5
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
9 months
Chinese suppliers now dominate the export of computer numerical control (CNC) devices to Russia, which are essential for highly precise metal milling. These devices are crucial for Moscow's military industries, leaving Russia reliant on China.
Tweet media one
1
5
9
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
6 years
"Technologists are generally fine with designing elegant software that maximizes engagement or obsession, even when it’s linked to increased prevalence of teen depression..."
0
4
9
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
But Russia's official customs statistics show the opposite. Deliveries of dual-use technologies to Russia go through Turkey.
0
5
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
2 years
The battle for the secretary-general seat of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is between a US candidate and a Russian candidate. In general, this is a battle between the democratic and authoritarian world camps.
1
3
9
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
5 years
Arrived in Buenos Aires for the second annual global @BanKillerRobots meeting
Tweet media one
2
2
8
@alenapopova
Alena Popova
4 years
So far, regulation hasn't helped. Facial recognition technologies continue to be installed and destroy privacy step by step.
0
4
9