In the FBI's statement of objectives, it acknowledged that "virtually every incident and subject of FBI investigative interest has a presence online" and the mission is to enable the Bureau to "proactively detect, disrupt, and investigate an ever-growing diverse range of threats" on social media.

American citizens' initial response may be concern with regard to their privacy and civil liberties. However, the Bureau's synopsis of the project states "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intends to award a firm fixed-price contract for the purpose of acquiring subscriptions services to a social media early alerting took in order to mitigate multifaceted threats, while ensuring all privacy and civil liberties compliance requirements are met."

Nextgov.com released an article reminding us that we are "at a time when society is growing accustomed to the painful reality of the weaponization of social media outlets to cause harm." Citing specific events, the article reminds us that earlier this year, a mass shooter in New Zealand who opened fire at two mosques killing 50 people had "posted a 74-page manifesto and images of his weapons online ahead of the attack." He also streamed the shooting on Facebook live.