We dive into some rare good news—Trump’s executive order banning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). But is it really a victory for privacy, or just a sleight of hand favoring private financial giants? We unpack the implications, the risks of private CBDCs, and the looming threat of programmable money. Plus, we explore the latest developments […]
The Fall of CBDCs (For Now) and the Rise of Quantum Threats Read More »
We’re excited to share an incredible resource with our community! The documentary SMART: Coming to a City Near You was created by Banish Big Brother’s own Elizabeth Melton. It dives deep into the critical issues surrounding smart city technology, surveillance, and the growing threats to privacy and freedom. This thought-provoking film is a must-watch for
Watch “SMART: Coming to a City Near You” Read More »
Elizabeth and Zach discuss the chilling proposal for expanded surveillance in New Orleans following a tragic New Year’s Eve attack, raising questions about privacy, predictive technologies, and the misuse of AI. They also dive into Chicago’s decision to abandon ineffective ShotSpotter gun detection technology and the broader implications of replacing invasive systems with something “new
Federal surveillance towers are quietly rising along the U.S.-Canada border, equipped with cameras and sensors capable of monitoring miles of private property. AI is becoming a tool for law enforcement, with implications for public safety, privacy, and even your daily life. Meanwhile, a new app claims to predict your exact time of death based on
Border Surveillance Towers, AI Legislation Looms, & App Predicts Your Death Read More »
The Georgia Senate Study Committee on AI has released its recommendations, covering topics such as data privacy, deepfake technology, AI transparency, and law enforcement applications. While the report aims to be forward-thinking, certain proposals raise concerns about privacy, liberty, and potential government overreach. The report reflects a familiar pattern in government regulations, where strict rules
Hidden Risks in Georgia Senate’s AI Report Read More »
JD Vance’s phone breach by Chinese hackers highlights the inherent danger of so-called “backdoor” security measures intended for government use. This episode dives into the revelations surrounding how backdoors, originally designed for surveillance by U.S. agencies, can be exploited by foreign entities, proving once again that there’s no such thing as a “backdoor for the
Whenever I talk about government surveillance, especially cameras, somebody will inevitably say, “You have no expectation of privacy in a public place. So what’s your problem?” Well, let me explain. It’s true I have no expectation of privacy when I walk down Vine Street or hang out in Berry Hill Skate Park. Anybody who happens to
Government Surveillance Is a Creepy Stalker Guy Read More »
In a landmark civil rights lawsuit, plaintiffs Lee Schmidt and Crystal Arrington, with the backing of the Institute for Justice (IJ), are suing the City of Norfolk, the Norfolk Police Department, and Police Chief Mark Talbot in Schmidt, et al. v. City of Norfolk, et al. The plaintiffs argue that the city’s use of 172
Civil Rights Lawsuit Aims to End Widespread License Plate Tracking Read More »
We can’t say nobody ever warned us. In 1975, Sen. Frank Church issued a poignant warning about the surveillance state on NBC Meet the Press, saying it created the potential for “total tyranny.” If this government ever became a tyranny, if a dictator ever took charge in this country, the technological capacity that the intelligence
Heading Toward an Abyss: Sen. Church Warned About Surveillance in 1975 (Video) Read More »
We unpack how cutting-edge technology is reshaping our reality. From AI chatbots eerily professing love to users, to facial recognition tools that can identify strangers on the street, this episode dives into the unsettling ways tech is pushing the boundaries of personal privacy. Plus, we explore how governments and companies may be using backdoor methods
AI Falls in Love with Married Man & Glasses Instantly Recognize Strangers Read More »
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach and Elizabeth delve into the unsettling realities of modern surveillance and privacy erosion. They kick off with a discussion about a shocking leak suggesting that our phones might actually be listening to our conversations. Highlighting a pitch deck from Cox Media Group, they explore how active
Leak Says Your Phone is Listening, Elon vs Brazilian Ban, New ChatGPT Read More »
You probably don’t really care about surveillance. You should. Most people find surveillance a little creepy. They don’t particularly like the idea of being watched. Even so, they don’t really care about surveillance when push comes to shove – at least not enough to really protest. There exists this pervasive, “Well, I don’t really have anything to hide,
Surveillance Leads Police to Tomato Bust Read More »
