Civilians surveil police amid privacy concerns

In an era where privacy faces constant threats, ordinary people are flipping the script by monitoring law enforcement as rigorously as they are watched. This shift challenges traditional notions of surveillance dominated by authorities. A recent article highlights this evolving dynamic.

The concept of a surveillance state has long been associated with government and police oversight of citizens, but a new perspective suggests that the power dynamic is changing. According to a Wired publication dated December 29, 2025, civilians are actively turning the tables, using technology and awareness to observe police activities with equal intensity. This reciprocal watching aims to hold authorities accountable and reclaim some control over personal privacy.

The article, titled 'The New Surveillance State Is You,' argues that while privacy may seem obsolete in the face of widespread monitoring, individuals are not passive victims. Instead, they are becoming active participants in the surveillance ecosystem. Keywords associated with the piece include surveillance, government, police, security, and privacy, underscoring the intersection of these themes.

A pointed remark in the content states, 'Privacy isn’t dead. Just ask Kristi Noem,' implying that figures like the South Dakota governor represent a viewpoint where privacy protections remain viable despite challenges. This nod to Noem suggests her stance or actions may exemplify resistance or adaptation in this context.

Overall, the discussion reframes surveillance not as a one-way street but as a mutual exchange, potentially leading to greater transparency on both sides. However, it also raises questions about the implications for civil liberties and security in this bidirectional monitoring landscape.

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Dramatic illustration of Gov. Tim Walz drawing Civil War parallel during ICE protests in Minneapolis after Renee Good shooting.
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Walz draws Civil War parallel amid escalating ICE protests after Renee Good shooting

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In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of protester Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis (see prior coverage), Governor Tim Walz likened federal immigration enforcement tensions to the Civil War. Nationwide protests have intensified, with violent chants targeting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, as she reaffirms support for agents amid a surge in attacks.

US Customs and Border Protection is intensifying its use of human-portable drones for surveillance, shifting from testing to standard deployment. Federal contracting records indicate this move creates a distributed system for real-time activity tracking. Critics caution that the network could extend surveillance far beyond border areas.

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In South Africa, the growing dependence on social media to expose crimes has led to swift official responses, but experts warn it highlights deeper issues in state capacity. Lungisani Mngadi argues that this crowdsourced accountability creates uneven justice and fails to prevent harm. True governance requires institutions that act proactively, not just reactively to public outcry.

South African news organizations are grappling with the misuse of their content by social media accounts posing as legitimate news sites. Journalists highlight the erosion of ethical standards and call for stronger regulations on digital platforms. The rise of AI-generated content adds further challenges to the industry.

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The EU Council is advancing plans for broader data retention policies amid the Chat Control bill's final stage. VPN providers are highlighted as potential targets in these discussions. This development raises concerns about privacy in digital communications.

A new investigation proposes allowing police to use provocative measures, such as posing as drug buyers or children selling sex online. The proposals also include creating AI-generated fictional child pornography to infiltrate pedophile networks. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer welcomes the investigation as a step to strengthen crime fighting.

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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced concerns over the European Union's Digital Services Act, warning it could eliminate space for controversial digital ideas. In a recent social media post, he advocated for greater user empowerment instead. This comes amid a surge in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in 2025.

 

 

 

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