Benchmark provides advanced surveillance and threat detection systems that are integrated into law enforcement operations, such as those used by the U.S. Border Patrol. This involvement in developing technologies that enhance surveillance capabilities raises serious concerns about the potential to empower repressive state mechanisms and undermine civil liberties. From an anti-fascist perspective, this directly contributes to the technological infrastructure that can facilitate authoritarian control.

SURVEILLANCE & THREAT DETECTION

The article highlights systemic human rights abuses and the lack of effective HR due diligence in high-risk sectors. While Benchmark is not directly accused, as an investment firm exposed to companies in those sectors, it bears responsibility if it fails to enforce robust human rights standards. This rating reflects potential complicity in neglecting labor rights and the importance of proactive measures to prevent such abuses.

Benchmarking Human Rights Performance

By delivering advanced surveillance systems to the Department of Homeland Security, Benchmark is directly involved in supplying technology that could be used for heightened border surveillance and control. This technology, integrating repressive measures like automated threat identification and expansive sensor networks, contributes to an environment that can facilitate authoritarian practices and undermine civil liberties.

Benchmark delivering on $51M order from US Department of Homeland Security

The article exposes significant concerns about the lack of transparency in corporate lobbying practices. Only a small percentage of companies disclose detailed data about their political spending, which raises questions about their commitment to responsible political engagement. For Benchmark, even though its primary role is in investment research and advisory services, any involvement in opaque lobbying or indirect support for influential political activities would contribute negatively to democratic accountability and bolster authoritarian influences. This rating reflects a strong criticism of such practices, which can enable power imbalances and undemocratic decision-making.

Opaque lobbying by companies with revenue of almost half of global GDP risks undermining progress on the SDGs

Benchmark's delivery of advanced surveillance technology to the U.S. Border Patrol, as part of a $51M order, underscores its involvement in providing tools that enhance state surveillance capabilities. Such technology can be used to monitor and control populations at the border, potentially facilitating repressive practices aligned with authoritarian policies. The use of these systems raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse in a politically charged environment.

Benchmark Delivering on $51M Order from U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Provide Advanced Surveillance Technology to U.S. Border Patrol

Research detailed in the working paper indicates that when investors acquire large stakes, there is a nearly two-fold increase in the likelihood that a firm's PAC donates to a politician favored by the investor’s PAC. This finding suggests a systemic influence where investor capital translates into amplified political giving by portfolio companies. Given Benchmark’s role as an investment firm, such practices—whether direct or indirect—are concerning from an anti-authoritarian perspective, as they can undermine democratic accountability and potentially facilitate a climate conducive to authoritarian practices.

Investing in influence: Investors, portfolio firms, and political giving