The Sundance documentary, "Ghost in the Machine," presents a provocative argument: the pursuit of artificial intelligence and the culture of Silicon Valley are deeply rooted in eugenics. Director Valerie Veatch suggests that the rise of "techno-fascism" is not a bug, but a feature, pointing to figures like Elon Musk. The film explores the historical connections between AI and troubling ideologies.

"Ghost in the Machine" traces a lineage from early statisticians like Karl Pearson, who sought to quantify racial differences, to William Shockley, a co-creator of the transistor. Shockley's Stanford lab fostered a culture that prioritized white men. This perspective influenced early AI pioneers. The film then draws a line to contemporary figures like Elon Musk, highlighting problematic behaviors and work environments.

The documentary examines the environmental impact of AI datacenters and the reliance on low-wage workers. It features interviews with AI researchers and historians. The film's central question: Can we trust these individuals with our future? The film suggests AI development is a project to establish a techno-elite to rule over the rest of us.

Ultimately, "Ghost in the Machine" challenges the dominant narrative surrounding AI's benefits. It arrives at a time when Big Tech has invested heavily in the technology. The film is available on the Sundance Film Festival website. It is a critical look at the industry's history and its potential future implications.