Islamophobic Think-Tank Gathers Data of 4M Muslims, Sparking Threats of Surveillance, Intimidation

Islamophobic Think-Tank Gathers Data of 4M Muslims, Sparking Threats of Surveillance, Intimidation
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A large archive containing more than four million records related to Muslims in the United States has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Muslim organizations over concerns about privacy, religious freedom, and potential misuse of personal data.

According to reports, the database was compiled over nearly two decades by the conservative think tank Middle East Forum, which has confirmed the existence of the archive and said researchers can request access to it.

The reported database includes information related to social media accounts, tax records, mosques, Islamic schools, businesses, and supporters of Muslim communities, including some non-Muslims.

Rights advocates have warned that collecting such extensive information could create risks of surveillance and intimidation. Researchers described the archive as potentially functioning as a “target list” against Muslim individuals and institutions.

The controversy comes amid ongoing concerns among Muslim communities in the US over discrimination and anti-Muslim rhetoric. While the organization behind the database says the information was collected from public sources, critics argue that compiling and organizing such data on a religious community could threaten civil liberties and social cohesion.