The hottest Surveillance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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New technologies, new totalitarians

Noahpinion • 18882 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media National Security Surveillance Global Influence
  1. The rise of new technologies like smartphones and social media has presented democracies with a formidable opponent in the form of techno-totalitarian regimes.
  2. China employs a strategy of 'sharp power' to manipulate foreign entities and influence global affairs, utilizing tactics like espionage, social media manipulation, and economic coercion.
  3. China's unique totalitarian approach extends beyond its borders to control the narrative about China, influence the diaspora, and emphasize supremacy of ethnicity over citizenship, posing a new challenge for democracies and liberal principles.

Many Reporters Paid for Covering the Russiagate Story

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9504 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation Media Surveillance Intelligence Collusion
  1. Many reporters who covered the Russiagate story faced backlash and criticism for their reporting.
  2. Various journalists and media figures who exposed illegal surveillance and manufactured intelligence in the Trump-Russia investigation were targeted and discredited by mainstream commentators.
  3. Despite facing pushback, these reporters like Glenn Greenwald, John Solomon, and Lee Smith continued to investigate and report on the inaccuracies surrounding the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

Financial Big Brother is Watching You

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8813 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Financial regulation Free speech
  1. Financial institutions are using transaction data to monitor for 'extremism indicators' like certain purchases or travel patterns.
  2. Financial surveillance, enhanced by AI, allows institutions to create detailed profiles of individuals and potentially restrict their access to financial services.
  3. The rise of 'political credit scores' may lead to non-illegal behaviors being punished effectively, similar to how speech is censored.

What we learned at Davos 2024: global aristocracy intends on 'Rebuilding Trust' through censorship and surveillance

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3950 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Surveillance Censorship Climate China
  1. The global elite at Davos aim to 'Rebuild Trust' through censorship and surveillance.
  2. Davos lacks real debate as participants are vetted for conformity to agenda narratives.
  3. Davos 2024 focused on familiar topics like climate change and stakeholder capitalism.

TfL's AI Tube Station experiment is amazing and slightly terrifying

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Surveillance Transportation Data Analysis Digital innovation
  1. AI technology, like the one used in TfL's Tube Station experiment, is rapidly changing and being implemented in various sectors.
  2. AI cameras at stations can have a wide range of uses, from enhancing security to improving passenger welfare and gathering statistical data.
  3. While AI technology offers numerous benefits, there are also concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse of the technology.
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Germany announces wide-ranging plans to restrict the speech, travel and economic activity of political dissidents, in order to better control the "thought and speech patterns" of its own people

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 493 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Censorship Surveillance Democracy
  1. Germany is implementing wide-ranging measures to restrict speech, travel, and economic activity of political dissidents to control the thought patterns of its people.
  2. The political establishment in Germany is using strategies to maintain power, including targeting opposition groups like Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
  3. The government in Germany is expanding its control over dissent by planning to use various tools like financial investigations, travel restrictions, and internet censorship to combat right-wing extremism.

What we learned at Davos 2024: global aristocracy intends on 'Rebuilding Trust' through censorship and surveillance

The Dossier • 903 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Surveillance Censorship International relations Leadership
  1. The conference theme was 'Rebuilding Trust' but no one acknowledged any wrongdoing.
  2. There was no real debate at Davos, just a gathering for the global ruling class to unite behind shared agendas.
  3. China took the spotlight at Davos, while the event faced low American representation and criticism from outside sources.

Anomaly detection firm tied to numerous former CIA officials affiliated with Beacon Global accidentally published its confidential data brokerage and persona management agreements

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 842 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Security National Defense Surveillance Government Contracts
  1. Orbis Operations, led by former CIA officials, accidentally published confidential data agreements.
  2. Anomaly detection techniques used by intelligence agencies and corporations focus on detecting anomalies and insider threats.
  3. National security data brokers like Orbis fuse various data sources for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Admist uncertain merger with Woz's Privateer Space, Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien bails to cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 361 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology Cryptocurrency Finance Surveillance Investments
  1. Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien moved to the cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis, leaving behind the collapse and financial struggles of Orbital.
  2. Orbital Insight faced challenges leading to financial decline, including defaulting on rent, a nonfunctional main phone line, and failed attempts at a merger with Privateer Space.
  3. Despite substantial funding and strategic partnerships, Orbital's downfall was partially attributed to market changes, such as Apple's privacy measures affecting their commercial data analysis business.

i-SOON Leak: Unanswered Questions and What Now?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Government Hacking Surveillance
  1. Chinese hacker groups have historically displayed poor operations security, making mistakes and leaving evidence, despite successfully targeting critical infrastructure.
  2. The leaked i-SOON documents reveal the extensive involvement of private cyber security companies in China, indicating the government's reliance on external expertise.
  3. The effectiveness of the 'name-and-shame' strategy in compelling or deterring behavior of exposed Chinese threat actors appears limited, as seen with cases like Chengdu 404 and Goldsun.

RFK Jr. Is Even Dumber Than We Thought

Discourse Blog • 648 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politicians Civil Rights Conspiracy Theories Surveillance
  1. RFK Jr. is criticized for defending the Kennedy administration's role in FBI surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr.
  2. RFK Jr.'s comments are seen as ignorant and tone-deaf, considering the context and historical significance.
  3. Despite familial loyalty, there is value in acknowledging and admitting when family members have done wrong.

German domestic intelligence services are now targeting political dissidents considered guilty of "delegitimising" the state, in yet another ominous development reminiscent of the DDR

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 113 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Surveillance Authoritarianism
  1. German domestic intelligence services are targeting political dissidents for 'delegitimising' the state, resembling oppressive practices of the past.
  2. The concept of 'Delegitimisation of the State' has been introduced, restricting certain political dissent akin to past authoritarian regimes.
  3. Criticism and comparisons between the Federal Republic and the DDR are now being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

💛 Artificial Intelligence: A Boon for Humanity or a Dreadful Weapon of Tyranny?

The Glenn Meder Newsletter • 530 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Surveillance Ethics Privacy Manipulation
  1. Artificial intelligence has advanced rapidly, blurring the line between human and AI interactions.
  2. Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook use AI to manipulate public opinion and influence elections.
  3. AI, in the hands of those seeking power, can be a dangerous tool for control and manipulation of individuals and society.

CEO of Gig-work Surveillance Firm Resigns

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 742 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Tech Surveillance Leadership Finance Legal
  1. CEO of Gig-work Surveillance Firm, Maury Blackman, resigned after years of court battles and exposure of clandestine surveillance.
  2. Premise Data, an analogue of Uber for data-gathering, faced revenue stagnation despite investments and high-profile board members.
  3. Blackman's resignation led to Matt McNabb taking over as CEO, revealing a history of controversial events and legal issues within Premise.

Fort Meade's new contract monitoring Twitter

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 842 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Social media Government Intelligence
  1. Defense Information Systems Agency has a new $2.5 million social media surveillance contract with Dataminr.
  2. Dataminr, associated with Twitter, has been careful to avoid the 'surveillance' label and instead presents itself as an 'alerting' platform.
  3. Despite past commitments, Dataminr continues to provide access to social media data for surveillance purposes.

German domestic intelligence services disclose their extensive surveillance of former CDU politician Hans-Georg Maaßen for his criticism of globalism, the Green Party, mass migration and state media

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 159 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Surveillance
  1. Former CDU politician Hans-Georg Maaßen is under extensive surveillance for criticizing globalism, the Green Party, mass migration, and state media.
  2. German domestic intelligence services are closely monitoring Maaßen's activities, including his social media posts and press statements.
  3. Criticism of the government, Greens, mass migration, and state media can lead to being labeled a 'right-wing extremist' and attract attention from political police.

Chinese balloon was not spying, US gov't admits months after manufactured crisis

Geopolitical Economy Report • 797 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Cold War Surveillance National Security
  1. The US government admitted that the Chinese balloon incident was not related to spying, but likely due to strong winds, debunking the initial accusations.
  2. The media and US government exaggerated the situation, using it to create a Cold War-like propaganda against China, though evidence later proved otherwise.
  3. Despite the claims of surveillance capabilities, subsequent analysis showed that the balloon's sensors were never activated over US territory, making the entire scandal a manufactured crisis.

Hello and an Update

Zero Day • 1259 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
📰 News Journalism Surveillance Government Surveillance
  1. Kim Zetter is working on various projects that are taking longer than expected.
  2. She is co-teaching a course about government surveillance and classified leaks at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
  3. Students in the course show a deep understanding of surveillance nuances and the importance of balancing security with civil liberties.

Lockheed is now tracking phones and walkie-talkies from space, and the UAE military is allegedly a "strong" customer

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 344 HN points • 18 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Space Surveillance Military Satellites
  1. Lockheed Martin and HawkEye 360 are partnering to track phones and walkie-talkies from space
  2. The UAE military is reportedly a significant customer of this phone tracking technology
  3. HawkEye 360's satellite surveillance capabilities extend to monitoring electromagnetic emissions worldwide

How Did American Capitalism Mutate Into American Corporatism?

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Corporations Government Technology Surveillance
  1. American capitalism has transformed into corporatism where government and large corporations have intertwined interests, blurring the lines between the public and private sectors.
  2. Tech companies and big corporations now cater to government demands and hold immense power over various aspects of daily life, such as information dissemination, consumer choices, and even surveillance.
  3. The shift from a consumer-driven economy to one dominated by corporatism has led to economic disparities and challenges in identifying true power dynamics, presenting a significant contemporary societal challenge.

i-SOON: Another Company in the APT41 Network

Natto Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Hacking Surveillance Malware
  1. A lawsuit revealed potential business ties between Chengdu 404 linked to APT41 and Sichuan i-SOON, shedding light on the ecosystem of IT companies in which these hackers operate.
  2. Sichuan i-SOON has strong connections with universities, offers training programs, and possesses qualifications to work for state security, raising questions about its potential involvement in APT activities.
  3. The similarities between Sichuan i-SOON and Chengdu 404, along with i-SOON's capabilities in surveillance-related technologies, suggest a possible link to APT41 activities and other Chinese APT groups like RedHotel/Earth Lusca.

The Covert Gig-Work Surveillance CEO Arrested for Felony Domestic Violence

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 220 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
💼 Business Crime Technology Podcasts Surveillance Legal
  1. CEO of Premise Data, Maury Blackman, was arrested for felony domestic violence after a Christmas party.
  2. The incident involving the CEO and his girlfriend was not publicly reported as the victim recanted her initial statements.
  3. Premise Data, Blackman's company, has been accused of covert surveillance activities for U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.

Surveillance firm backed by Google and CIA allegedly defaulted on $370,000 per month rent

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 200 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Surveillance Tech Finance Government Security
  1. Orbital Insight, a surveillance firm backed by Google and CIA, allegedly defaulted on $370,000 per month rent
  2. Orbital Insight was sued by its landlord and subtenants for failing to pay rent for its Silicon Valley HQ
  3. The company had significant investments, including from Google Ventures and the U.S. Intelligence Community

Google has Usurped Democracy

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Manipulation Surveillance
  1. Elections are vulnerable to manipulation through search engine rankings, influencing undecided voters significantly.
  2. Google's extensive surveillance through various platforms raises privacy concerns, including features like microphones in smart devices.
  3. Google's dominance in online platforms allows for manipulation, censorship, and bias in content dissemination, impacting political campaigns, elections, and public opinions.

Generative AI and the Dark Forest

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Internet Video Scams Surveillance
  1. Generative AI has the potential for positive impacts like scientific breakthroughs, but its negatives such as military misuse and media disruption may outweigh the benefits.
  2. The influx of fake content, scams, and deep fakes created by AI poses serious challenges, leading to a digital garbage dump on the internet.
  3. While AI can enable innovative capabilities like text-to-video technology, the sheer volume of content may lead to apathy and lack of creativity in media production.

Covert gigwork surveillance platform attempts to claw back disclosures of its intelligence clients

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 140 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Surveillance Legal Battles National Security
  1. Premise Data's CEO is trying to keep the names of the military and spy agencies the company works for a secret.
  2. There is a legal battle over disclosing intelligence clients, with requests for documents to be clawed back and redacted.
  3. The legal dispute involves claims of national security reasons and maintaining marketplace competitiveness for secrecy.

Best Infosec-Related Long Reads for the Week of 2/3/24

Metacurity • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security AI Surveillance
  1. London Underground is testing real-time AI surveillance tools to spot crime, a first for the transport body.
  2. AI is being used to generate alerts sent to frontline staff based on live video footage monitored by the system.
  3. Transport for London (TfL) operated the AI system at Willesden Green Tube station, which had 25,000 visitors per day before the pandemic.