The End of Privacy

We can no longer own or use tech while remaining private

Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash, edited by your author

Friends, I apologize. It’s been many months since I’ve researched, authored, and then published a post here. Or anywhere, now that I think about it.

There are two reasons for that. The first is that my life has changed, somewhat substantially, in the past six months, with new priorities for my family and myself. But there’s another reason, and it’s equally, if not more important.

I no longer believe that it is possible for us to coexist with technology and maintain our personal privacy.

This is not a statement that I make lightly nor is it a conclusion that came quickly or without some deep consideration. I’ve been writing about privacy and security matters since about 2010. What I observed in the privacy world since then initially began as a gradual erosion of our individual and collective privacy. Those things could be mitigated.

But then the erosion of privacy snowballed into a massive decay and this, dear friends, I do NOT think can be mitigated. As a result, I cannot advise that any of us can safely and privately coexist with our technology.

Now, you may be thinking, “David, come on! You sound like a dystopian or an apocalyptic preacher. Please: you’re just being extreme.”

Maybe. But not because what I’m saying isn’t true.

Our Data is Being Shared or Stolen

What is certainly true is that, since 2010, the world of technology has merged with the world of interconnectivity, then the world of corporatization and profits, and then, again, with the world of social media.

As a result, whatever was left of our individual privacy has been just about destroyed. I can cite many examples of this.

Drivable Computers

Cars have now become “drivable computers” which — just like the computers on our desks — collect data about us. In this case, how and where we drive and, more ominously, who we are. Then they sell that data to other companies.

Tesla, not surprisingly, is the fucking worst. But Nissan is right behind Tesla with their claims to collect not just your sexual…