The COVID-19 Pandemic: Surveillance and the Modern Trojan Horse
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The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed tremendous pressure on the global economy, public safety, and mental health. The turmoil and unpredictability of this crisis are not novel; history reveals similar patterns of chaos leading to exploitation. One consistent factor during such tumultuous times has been the public's reliance on governments and organizations to navigate through crises. Although these entities have occasionally succeeded, the consequences for citizens often outweigh the immediate chaos they face.
In times of disorder, there is a tendency to present a façade that overshadows the existing problems, akin to the ancient tale of the Trojan Horse, which symbolizes deceptive tactics that lead to deeper issues.
The Trojan Horse: A Historical Perspective
The narrative of the Trojan Horse is rooted in the Greeks' strategic deception during the war against Troy. After a fruitless decade of siege, the Greeks constructed a massive wooden horse, hiding soldiers within, including the notable Odysseus. They pretended to retreat, leaving the horse as a supposed offering of surrender. When the Trojans brought the horse into their city, the hidden Greek warriors emerged at night, allowing their comrades to infiltrate and ultimately destroy Troy.
Over time, the term "Trojan Horse" has evolved to describe deceptive strategies that allow adversaries to infiltrate secure places, particularly in the realms of data, surveillance, and artificial intelligence.
Big Data: A Modern-Day Trojan Horse
Various entities are increasingly seeking private data and health information from individuals. Authoritarian governments, in particular, aim to monitor and manage citizens' daily lives. The health sector and big data industries have become immensely lucrative, resulting in a troubling trend toward privacy invasions and personal security breaches.
Corporate greed in data collection has detrimental effects on familial bonds. In China, for instance, authorities have begun gathering blood samples from millions of men and boys to create a genetic database, enhancing their surveillance capabilities.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, over 30 countries have initiated surveillance programs aimed at identifying and monitoring infected individuals, often at the expense of personal privacy. Governments exploit the urgency of the pandemic to gain unprecedented access to sensitive personal information, using it for purposes beyond merely combating the virus.
The primary method for monitoring populations during the pandemic has been through smartphone location tracking. For example, in March 2020, Iran launched an app marketed as a self-diagnostic tool, which ultimately collected location data from millions of users.
These trends are not isolated incidents but part of a historical pattern where crises facilitate the erosion of individual freedoms. The current innovations reflect a modern Trojan Horse, with hidden agendas only becoming clear over time.
Creating Surveillance Programs and Data Mining
Data has become an invaluable asset, primarily for corporations. The field of data science increasingly prioritizes business strategies over ethical considerations, transforming every company into a technology-driven entity. Consequently, monitoring practices have shifted from tactical necessities to strategic goals focused on profit and power.
The e-Scooter: A Contemporary Trojan Horse
While e-scooter services aim to offer convenient transportation options, they also collect valuable GPS and cellular data on users. Although this data is ostensibly used for urban planning, companies must comply with city regulations mandating the sharing of detailed usage statistics.
In 2019, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation suspended Uber's Jump service for failing to provide real-time data, which Uber argued constituted a form of surveillance. Conversely, the city maintained that such data is essential for monitoring compliance with permit requirements.
Recently, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU initiated legal action against Los Angeles for its collection of trip data from e-scooter users, highlighting the ongoing tension between privacy and public safety.
The Trojan Horse of Drug Screening Protocols
In 2019, a U.S. panel recommended drug screening for all adults as a measure against the opioid crisis. However, this proposal overlooked the public's confusion regarding drug use and addiction, raising ethical concerns about privacy. The challenge lies in addressing addiction as a medical issue, rather than a moral failing, while ensuring the confidentiality of patient data.
The Trojan Horse of the "All of Us Program"
The NIH launched the "All of Us" initiative, aimed at personalizing medicine for underserved communities. However, the program's reliance on extensive data collection raises concerns about trust and the potential misuse of sensitive information.
The Expansion of Surveillance Programs
China has utilized various surveillance methods, including facial recognition and extensive data collection, to monitor its populace. In response to the pandemic, governments worldwide have adopted similar practices, raising concerns about privacy and autonomy.
As governments partner with tech corporations, the line between public safety and invasive surveillance becomes increasingly blurred. Lobbying efforts by corporations exploit legislative loopholes, allowing for policies that prioritize corporate interests over individual rights.
The Trojan Horse of the COVID-19 Crisis
The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the delicate balance between public safety and personal freedoms. If not approached with caution, this crisis may lead to enduring systems of surveillance under the pretext of health and safety. The challenge lies in recognizing and resisting the Trojan Horse disguised as necessary measures for combating the virus.
This article was initially published on Data-driven Investor.