Which isn't to say I disagree with Sumner about how unnerving modern surveillance is. It's also not to say that I think everything is perfect about modern society. It just seems to completely miss the forest for the trees to point to the surveillance state and write "1984 has arrived".
I'd personally rather live in a society that didn't have near-perfect surveillance. It just seems like a nicer place. But this seems like a very tough thing to draw the line on. The only difference between these cameras and a watchful beat cop is the efficiency with which they observe not what they're doing. As far as I know they don't have these cameras in private residences. Of course it's unsettling, but I find it less unsettling than an actual violation of rights in a less technologically advanced state.
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"The only difference between these cameras and a watchful beat cop is the efficiency with which they observe not what they're doing."
ReplyDeleteThe surveillance state is more than about the ineffectual cameras; it is about monitoring online activity (including ostensibly private online activity); it concerns issues like tracking your cellphone or the GPS in your car; etc. Julian Sanchez (along with organizations like the EFF), etc. are the go to people on this subject.
I know Gary - as I said in the post it's not that everything is right in this world. But Sumner was talking about cameras out on the street, and while I find that unnerving I think it trivializes what was really wrong with 1984.
ReplyDeleteAnd he also gave two possible responses; and he talks about computers, etc. From what I can tell you are reacting exclusively to the bit quoted from Robin Hanson.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'd say Ending #2 doesn't make much sense; there are in fact expectations of online privacy, etc. by the young folks, even if such expectations aren't reflected in ECPA, etc.
Speaking of the surveillance state: http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/2011/11/j-edgar-shows-hunger-more-power-corrupts
ReplyDeleteWe only have to reflect on the rise of "fusion centers" post-9/11 and the creation of other edifices of state surveillance power to connect the dots with past periods in American history where surveillance was ramped up only to have the dirty laundry aired years or decades later.
...because I always thought the real problem with 1984 society was the perpetual war, the one party state, and the prosecution of thoughtcrime.
ReplyDelete1984 is here after all!
Bob, your blog was NOT shut down by the FBI
ReplyDelete;-) :-P