Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest reveal the severity of U.S. surveillance state (greenwald.substack.com)

Article summary

The article discusses Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest revealing the severity of the US surveillance state, with a focus on a graphic used by Amazon that depicts the invasive nature of their technology. The graphic has sparked controversy and debate about the intentions behind its creation. The article suggests that the image may have been used to normalize the technology, despite its potential to be seen as invasive. The discussion around the article reveals concerns about the growing surveillance state and the role of companies like Amazon and Google in it.

Main themes

• Surveillance state
• Corporate influence
• Marketing and propaganda
• Government oversight
• Technological ethics

What commenters say

• The graphic used by Amazon was a calculated move to normalize invasive technology, rather than an unintentional mistake.
• Marketing teams are often out of touch with the message they want to convey, leading to unintended consequences.
• The creation of the graphic was likely a deliberate attempt to frame the technology in a positive light, despite potential backlash.
• The controversy surrounding the graphic is not just about the technology itself, but about the broader implications of a growing surveillance state.
• Individuals and companies can contribute to the growth of a surveillance state through their actions, even if it is not a coordinated effort.
• The use of marketing and propaganda can be used to influence public perception and normalize invasive technologies.
• There is a need for systems with accountability to prevent the misuse of technology and the growth of a surveillance state.
• The intentions behind the creation of the graphic are unclear, and it is possible that it was simply a mistake rather than a deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion.