Thank you for that, Brad.

I think that’s an important part of the dialogue. Thanks for sharing this valuable information.

12/ Post-script. This 👇

bsky.app/profile/ryan...

11/ While I'm absolutely not in the camp of "all problems can be solved through tech," useful tools to look for fraud signals *are* avail.

And the Trump admin's hamhanded use of tech doesn't inspire confidence (sloppy DHS videos; using Signal at DoD). If there's malfeasance, they can be caught /END

10/ The takeaway: If "the Epstein files" are released, that is not simply a political story; it's a modern-day test case/challenge for information integrity.

Steps must be taken to place those files under close scrutiny, using the best tools of digital forensics that are available today.

9/ Esp for massive troves of docs, AI tools (which are far from a panacea!) may potentially be helpful to detect fraud signals in the released "Epstein files." Would Trump be a fan?

(After all, he's so all-in on AI that he's taking (unconstitutional) steps to prevent states from regulating AI.)

8/ Current tools to look for fraud signals in digital files and documents include things like:
- Metadata
- Pixel changes; blurry images; mismatched fonts
- Missing or altered serial numbers
- Document revision histories
- Cross-checking docs with other contextual items

Many more; you get the idea.

7/ If the Trump admin's release of the "Epstein files" is not to become a modern-day version of the 18-minute gap in the Watergate tapes, then experts should begin discussing ways to put them under the microscope of digital forensics.

The tech available today is very diff from what existed in 1973.

6/ Ironically, the infamous 18 min gap in Nixon's Watergate tapes was revealed on Nov 21, 1973 -- almost 53 yrs to the day of Trump's signature on Epstein bill.

The official explanation was that Nixon's sec'y accidentally erased portions of tape by keeping her foot on the machine's pedal too long.

5/ In short, in addition to being a huge *political* story, the release of "the Epstein files" deserves additional scrutiny, as a modern test case for *information integrity.*

The Trump admin has tried to mislead the public before, so there are good reasons to verify the authenticity of the files.

4/ If the Trump admin is so brazen as to try to mislead the public with manipulated DHS videos, it is reasonable to ask the question:

Shouldn't we take steps to verify the authenticity of the released "Epstein files," or at least to look for any flags indicating potential fraud or manipulation?

3/ The Trump admin has already shown that it has no compunction about manipulating digital files and documentary records in an effort to mislead the public, even through official govt channels.

WaPo's @drewharwell.com recently posted just such an investigation
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...

2/ On the face of it, Trump's sudden reversal on the release of the Epstein files is odd. One day, members of Congress are being called into the Situation Room, to pressure them to prevent release, yet days later, he's all-in?

Why?

And what have DOJ/FBI been doing with the files all these months?