12 Apr 2023

In 2019 I co-created the game Cheeze Wizards. A project aimed to dig deeper into blockchain native games

Keen to understand better what native blockchain gameplay experience could be, we started by prototyping a simple game mechanic of Rock Paper Scissors and seeing how it could be translated into the blockchain.

As we move deeper into the digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. While advancements in technology have led to numerous benefits, they have also raised significant concerns around privacy and surveillance. Governments and corporations around the world are collecting vast amounts of personal information, often without our knowledge or consent. This information can be used to monitor our activities, influence our decisions, and even restrict our freedoms. The dystopian future envisioned by George Orwell in his novel "1984" seems more plausible than ever before.

However, there is hope. Privacy-enhancing technology provides a way to protect our personal information and safeguard our privacy. It encompasses a range of tools and techniques that allow us to communicate and share information without fear of surveillance, intrusion, or manipulation. From encryption to decentralized networks, these technologies offer a means of empowering individuals and preventing the kind of totalitarian surveillance that Orwell warned us about.

In this article, we will explore the importance of privacy-enhancing technology in today's digital landscape. We will examine the dangers of surveillance, the benefits of privacy-enhancing technology, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. By the end of this article, we hope to demonstrate the need for greater awareness and adoption of privacy-enhancing technology, as well as its potential to create a more secure and free society.

The dangers of totalitarian surveillance

In his novel "1984," George Orwell warned of a future in which governments would monitor every aspect of citizens' lives, using technology to exert control over the population. While it may have seemed like a far-fetched idea at the time of publication, with the rapid advancements in technology and the widespread adoption of digital devices, this type of mass surveillance has become a reality.

As the amount of personal data that is collected and analyzed by governments, corporations, and other organizations continues to increase, concerns about the erosion of individual privacy and freedom have become more pressing. Totalitarian surveillance can restrict freedom of thought and expression, and can lead to a culture of fear and mistrust. It can also be used by those in power to maintain their control over the population.

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.

Privacy-enhancing technology and its benefits

Privacy-enhancing technology refers to a range of tools and practices that help individuals protect their privacy and prevent their personal information from being collected and used against them. These tools include but are not limited to encryption, anonymous browsing, and decentralized networks.

Encryption is a technique that scrambles data, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key. This technology is used to protect sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal data from being intercepted by hackers or other malicious actors. It also prevents governments and corporations from accessing personal data without permission or a warrant.

Anonymous browsing is another privacy-enhancing tool that allows users to surf the internet without leaving a trace of their online activities. This technology is particularly useful in countries where online censorship and surveillance are prevalent, as it allows individuals to access information and express their opinions without fear of reprisal.

Decentralized networks are also gaining popularity as a means of protecting privacy. These networks allow users to communicate and share information without relying on centralized servers or services that may be vulnerable to surveillance or hacking. By distributing data across a network of computers, decentralized networks make it difficult for anyone to gain access to sensitive information without permission.