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Today in History: CIA Launches Covert Mind Control Program MKUltra

4/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 13, 1953, the CIA initiated Project MKUltra, a covert program aimed at researching mind control through illegal human experimentation. This initiative sought to develop techniques and drugs for altering human behavior, raising significant ethical concerns and criticisms regarding violations of individual rights and the abuse of power by the agency.

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Story summary

On April 13, 1953, the CIA initiated Project MKUltra, a covert program aimed at researching mind control through illegal human experimentation. This initiative sought to develop techniques and drugs for altering human behavior, raising significant ethical concerns and criticisms regarding violations of individual rights and the abuse of power by the agency.