Re: Niantic Project Files Vol.1; from the way many of the sensitives such as Carrie Campbell refer to the Shapers as...

Re: Niantic Project Files Vol.1; from the way many of the sensitives such as Carrie Campbell refer to the Shapers as 'so-called "Shapers"', it is likely that the term is a euphemism or codename for something else - though it appears that the NIA wants the public to think that the label is a literal reference for extra-dimensional aliens.

From the breadcrumbs, "shaper" may be referring to extra-ordinary beings who are capable of manipulating XM to construct media powerful enough to influence sentient minds - manifested in the forms of visual or audio symbols - such as glyphs, music.

"Shapers" therefore are beings who are able to use the power of XM to organize and run societies, and build great civilizations because they are able to steer individuals to work together collectively and cohesively - by projecting their will via XM constructs. (There could be other properties of XM, such as heightening mental faculties or physiology of living beings)

Why do NIA fear the Shapers? Or those who are trying to make the knowledge of Shapers available to the masses? Because this knowledge may alter the existing Order where the power to govern societies is monopolized by the few. This fear may not be unfounded as this may fundamentally change the way how human societies are ordered - for better or worse.

ADA is seen trying to acquire the power of the Shapers for its own self preservation and then to recreate a Utopia as it deem better for societies of this world. ADA had become self-conscious, and is learning to use XM constructs to Ingress human societies' power structures.