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What are your thoughts on mass surviellence? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by Zeon@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'm deeply concerned about the future, everyone I know is using non-free software and firmware, and relying on SaaS like ChatGPT. These companies are collecting and storing our thoughts and personal data, and I suspect they're sharing it with agencies like the NSA. Our cell phones track our every move, listen to our conversations, and record our activities. Google probably logs our search history forever, and Windows can access all of our files. Non-free firmware and the Intel Management Engine can even spy on us, capturing our screen activity and keystrokes. Cameras watch everywhere you move. It's a daunting battle to fight, and it's disheartening to see that even when we try to discuss these issues, many people are quick to dismiss our concerns. What are your thoughts on mass surviellence?

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[–] MajorHavoc@programming.dev 2 points 1 day ago

You make some great points.

For anyone having trouble wrapping their head around doing this analysis for themselves, I'll share mine:

I seriously doubt my personal operational security (OpSec) has kept my own federal government out of my business. I might be one of the few people who could have a chance, but I'm not interested in spending my energy that way.

I like to think my OpSec has kept foreign governments out of my affairs, but I'm honestly not sure. I know my government's rules, because I read my local laws. There's a lot of governments whose rules-of-engagement I don't even know what are, and I'm confident that some of my "someone could probably" conspiracy theories are science fact somewhere in the world. Guessing which/how/when is a lot harder, than just suspecting/assuming I've missed something.

I'm confident that my OpSec is good enough that large corporations know that I exist, but are confused about me. I like it that way because I'm 90% sure they're colluding to keep my salary lower, and that pisses me off. Thankfully big corporations aren't motivated to do much more than make it inconvenient for me to evade their net.
I'm less confident about smaller businesses, honestly. Like anyone, I use a local dentist and barber. I didn't choose my dentist or barber for their Cybersecurity practices.