Fact Check: The CIA used artificial intelligence to scan its library for documents related to Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination that could be declassified.

Published June 14, 2025

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# Fact Check: "The CIA used artificial intelligence to scan its library for documents related to Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination that could be decla...

Fact Check: "The CIA used artificial intelligence to scan its library for documents related to Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination that could be declassified."

What We Know

Recently, several news outlets reported that the CIA employed artificial intelligence (AI) to search its archives for documents pertaining to the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) that could be declassified. According to a report by PBS, this AI-driven search was part of a broader effort to release previously classified information related to RFK's assassination. The CIA has been actively declassifying documents in accordance with the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act, which mandates the release of records related to JFK's assassination and subsequent investigations.

The National Archives has also been involved in this process, indicating that many records related to RFK's assassination were previously held but not publicly accessible. The archives are working with various federal agencies to ensure that these records are reviewed and released as part of a prioritized interagency process (National Archives).

Analysis

The claim that the CIA utilized AI for document scanning is supported by multiple recent reports, including those from CBS News and ABC4, which confirm the use of AI in the declassification process. However, the specifics of how AI was implemented—whether it was for categorization, keyword searching, or another purpose—are not elaborated upon in the sources.

While the use of AI in document management is plausible given the vast amount of data involved, the reliability of the claim hinges on the credibility of the sources reporting it. The outlets reporting this information are generally reputable, but they are primarily news organizations that may not provide in-depth technical details about the AI systems used.

Additionally, while the CIA's collaboration with the National Archives and other agencies is well-documented, the exact role of AI in this specific context remains somewhat ambiguous. The National Archives has emphasized its commitment to transparency and the systematic review of records, but does not specifically mention AI in its official communications regarding the RFK records.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is credible reporting that the CIA has used AI to assist in scanning documents related to RFK's assassination, the specifics of this claim require further verification. The lack of detailed technical information and the reliance on secondary sources suggest that more comprehensive investigation is needed to fully understand the extent and effectiveness of AI in this context.

Sources

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