The pitch for Flock is always the same: “If you’ve done nothing wrong, you’ve got nothing to hide.” Then a court says the footage is public record, and suddenly cities start unplugging the cameras. In this episode, Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton walk through the public records rulings that are forcing Flock programs into crisis […]
Open Records Are Taking Down Flock Cameras Read More »
Zach and Elizabeth break down the surreal case of a Missouri county commissioner facing felony charges for removing a license plate reader — even though the county had already banned them. That sparks a deeper conversation about public surveillance, Flock cameras, inflated government tech contracts, and the illusion of “safety.” Then they shift to the
The Guy Who Ripped Out a License Plate Reader (And Why We Cheered) Read More »
We dive into the latest news around AI, surveillance, and control. First up, Google quietly ditches its pledge to avoid developing AI for weapons and surveillance — what does this mean for the future of Big Tech and military partnerships? Then, we break down China’s deployment of its AI system, DeepSeek, in military hospitals and
Google Drops Pledge to Not Develop AI Weapons & ChatGPT Joins the Dating Scene Read More »
Tired of the endless cycle of dystopian tech headlines? In this special episode of Banish Big Brother, Zach and Elizabeth take a break from the usual doom and gloom to focus on the positives. From victories against government overreach to breakthroughs in privacy tech, every story in this episode has an uplifting twist. While the
The Good News Episode Read More »
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 »
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
Meta plans to fill Facebook with AI-generated users designed to mimic real people, raising alarming questions about authenticity, privacy, and ethics. Meanwhile, school zone speed cameras are under fire as legislators expose them as profit-driven scams. In New York City, congestion pricing begins, hitting drivers with steep tolls and raising concerns about economic fallout. Explore
Biden Administration Wanted Total Control of ALL Artificial Intelligence Read More »
UnitedHealthcare faces allegations of using an AI model with a 90% error rate to deny care, forcing elderly patients into financial ruin. Meanwhile, drone detection technology meant for border security raises serious questions about its potential for tracking human behavior. And the push for a U.S. surveillance “Iron Dome” signals a massive expansion in monitoring
AI Denies Healthcare Coverage & USA’s Surveillance Iron Dome Read More »
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 »
A DNA testing company disappears, leaving customers’ genetic data unprotected—what are the risks? Australia proposes a social media age ban with digital ID verification for everyone. Is this a step toward surveillance or safety? We also examine the legal fight against Clearview AI’s data scraping and discuss how AI-generated art and music are shaping the
A mother in Georgia faces jail time after allowing her 10-year-old son to walk to town alone, sparking a heated debate over parental rights, government overreach, and the role of technology in family life. We dive into the absurdity of mandated tracking apps, the fear-driven policies affecting modern parenting, and the organizations fighting back. Plus,
Track Your Child… or Go to Jail & Minecraft AI Gone Rogue 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
