government-surveillance
The use of extensive resources and investigative techniques by federal agents to identify and apprehend digital vandals.
20 chapters across 15 books
True Names (1984)Vernor Vinge
The chapter introduces Roger Pollack, a novelist and covert hacker known as Mr. Slippery, who is confronted by government agents for his illegal activities in the digital realm called the Other World. The agents reveal that they have discovered his True Name, exposing his real-world identity and threatening his anonymity and freedom. The narrative also introduces the broader conflict between government authorities and powerful hackers or 'vandals,' highlighting the emergence of a mysterious and ideologically motivated figure called the Mailman who poses a significant threat to national security.
Crypto (2001)Steven Levy
This chapter traces Phil Zimmermann's early life and evolving passion for cryptography, from childhood fascination with codes to his discovery of public key cryptography and political activism. It highlights his technical experiments, political awakening, and eventual motivation to create accessible encryption software to protect privacy against government surveillance. The narrative situates Zimmermann's personal history alongside the broader context of Cold War-era politics and emerging computer technologies.
This chapter appears to be an extensive index or reference list from Steven Levy's book "Crypto," cataloging key figures, concepts, technologies, legislation, and organizations related to cryptography and digital security. It covers a wide range of topics including encryption standards, cryptographic algorithms, government policies, privacy issues, and influential individuals in the field. The chapter serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the breadth and depth of the cryptography landscape as presented in the book.
the-atmospherians (2023)unknown
In this chapter, Sasha grapples with emotional turmoil following a fight with Cassandra and contemplates an offer from Roger Handswerth to join DAM, a rising technological initiative. Meanwhile, Art Flemings, a firefighter enforcing new federal laws, arrives unannounced to shut down Dyson and Sasha's unlicensed men's camp due to concerns about violent 'hordes' of men causing public disturbances. To comply and avoid shutdown, Sasha and Dyson strategically sacrifice Leon Cranch, a problematic member with a history in a violent horde, highlighting tensions between loyalty, survival, and external authority.
The Power (2016)Naomi Alderman
In this chapter, Margot navigates the political and personal challenges posed by the emergence of the 'power'—an electrostatic ability awakening in girls and some women. The government, led by Governor Daniel Dandon, mandates testing for this power among female government employees, creating fear and suspicion, while Margot secretly explores and practices her own abilities with her daughter Jos. The chapter highlights societal tensions, the struggle for control, and the shifting dynamics of power and secrecy.
Way Station (1963)Clifford D. Simak
Enoch returns Lucy safely to her family despite prior tensions, confronting her abusive father Hank with a firm warning. He then meets with Claude Lewis, a CIA agent who has taken a mysterious body from a grave, and demands its prompt return, emphasizing the grave consequences of failure. The chapter highlights Enoch's protective nature, his distrust of government interference, and the importance of the missing body to a larger, undisclosed matter.
Wildsmith (1985)Ron Goulart
In this chapter, the public relations chief Peg-Leg Wister prepares Tom and the android novelist Wildsmith for an upcoming publicity tour, revealing Wildsmith's mechanical vulnerabilities and eccentricities. The scene unfolds at a cocktail party where tensions arise between characters including Magic Sam, a black celebrity with strong racial views, and Joaquim Vespas, a Brazilian novelist supported by the U.S. government. The chapter explores the complex social dynamics, surveillance interests, and racial tensions surrounding the literary and political figures involved.
Artificial Life: How Computers Are Transforming Our Understanding of Evolution and the Future of Life (2001)Steven Levy
The chapter discusses the evolution and significance of cryptography as a tool for privacy in the digital age, highlighting the tension between government secrecy and individual rights. It traces how cryptography, once suppressed by governments fearing security breaches, became a revolutionary technology empowering individuals to protect their communications against all intrusions, including those from state actors. The narrative contrasts the efforts of grassroots innovators with the resistance from powerful government entities, ultimately showing how the former prevailed.
The Probability Broach (1980)L. Neil Smith
In this chapter, the protagonist, a detective named Win, is removed from a sensitive murder investigation by his superior, Captain MacDonald, who reveals his office and phone are bugged and expresses fear of a powerful, unseen authority. Shortly after, MacDonald is assassinated in a hit-and-run, and Win narrowly avoids a deadly booby trap in his own apartment, highlighting the pervasive surveillance and lethal intimidation tactics used by an oppressive regime. The narrative explores themes of government overreach, personal vulnerability, and the erosion of civil liberties under authoritarian control.
Fire Watch (1985)Connie Willis
The narrator receives a mail-ordered clone of himself, which initially confuses and unsettles him and his partner Marjean. Despite skepticism about the legitimacy of cloning for such a low price, the clone arrives and behaves differently from the narrator, prompting reflections on identity and resemblance. The chapter ends with government agents investigating the clone mail-order scheme as a mail fraud, revealing the clone was likely a scam.
Kalki (1978)Gore Vidal
In this chapter, the narrator and companions aboard the Narayana prepare for Kalki's public appearance as the Hindu god Shiva, who is expected to perform the 'dance of eternity' signaling the end of the world. Tensions rise as government agents confront Giles with accusations of financial fraud and drug trafficking, leading to his arrest just before Kalki's scheduled dance on a floating platform in Manhattan. The chapter highlights the political and social unrest surrounding Kalki's messianic role amid global crises such as energy shortages, environmental disasters, and epidemics.
Nemo (1977)Ron Goulart
In Chapter 22 of "Nemo," Ted (Nemo) confronts Dr. Dix about the implanted bombs used by the TSA, including one in his wife Haley and another set to assassinate Reverend Ortega. After incapacitating Jay Perlberg, Ted forces Dix to help him safely remove the bombs, revealing the extent of clandestine and violent control measures employed by the government. The chapter ends with an armed standoff as Chief Agent Karew demands surrender, highlighting the escalating conflict.
The Glass Teat (1970)Harlan Ellison
In this supplementary introduction to The Glass Teat, Harlan Ellison recounts the initial success and subsequent suppression of his book due to political censorship during the Nixon administration, particularly under Spiro Agnew's influence. Despite strong sales and critical acclaim, the book was effectively blacklisted, leading to massive returns and the cancellation of a planned sequel. Ellison reveals the covert pressures from government and distributors to stifle his critical voice on television and politics, illustrating the intersection of media, power, and censorship in 1970s America.
The Cool War (1980)Fredrick Pohl
The chapter introduces Reverend H. Hornswell Hake on his thirty-ninth birthday as he conducts marriage counseling for a plural marriage facing dissolution. His routine is interrupted by a mysterious government agent who summons him for a confidential matter involving national security, highlighting the tension between his personal, pastoral duties and larger political forces. The chapter also depicts the socio-economic hardships of the setting, including power rationing and local unrest, grounding the narrative in a troubled, near-future environment.
Dragnet Nation (2014)Julia Angwin
The chapter explores the pervasive nature of modern surveillance and data collection, illustrating how individuals like Sharon Gill and Bilal Ahmed are monitored even in private online spaces, often without clear consent. It highlights the technological advances that have enabled indiscriminate data dragnets by governments and corporations, discusses the legal and social ambiguities of privacy in the digital age, and warns of the potential abuses of personal data historically and in contemporary contexts.
Chapter 6, "The Audit," details the author's investigation into the vast amounts of personal data collected by major technology companies and data brokers, highlighting the challenges individuals face in accessing and understanding their own data. It explores regulatory frameworks like the EU's Directive 95/46/EC and U.S. laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, while revealing the opaque practices of companies like Facebook, Google, Acxiom, and TLO. The chapter also discusses government surveillance, legal battles over data access, and the implications of data aggregation for privacy and personal autonomy.
In this chapter, Julia Angwin explores the practical and political challenges of using encryption software to protect privacy in the digital age. She details her experiences with various encryption tools like GnuPG and Enigmail, discusses the limitations and distrust surrounding public cryptography, and contextualizes these issues within broader government surveillance practices and legal battles. The chapter also traces the history and activism of the cypherpunk movement, highlighting key figures and technologies that have shaped the ongoing struggle for digital privacy.
Chapter 15, "An Unfairness Doctrine," from Dragnet Nation by Julia Angwin, critically examines the challenges and failures of privacy protections in the United States. It highlights the inadequacy of existing laws and government practices in safeguarding personal data, the lack of transparency in data brokerage, and the imbalance of power between individuals and institutions in surveillance and data collection. The chapter also references historical and contemporary examples of environmental and civil rights progress to contrast with the stalled progress on privacy rights.
This chapter from Julia Angwin's Dragnet Nation provides an extensive index of topics, individuals, organizations, technologies, and concepts related to surveillance, privacy, data collection, and digital security. It reflects the book's comprehensive exploration of how personal data is gathered, tracked, and used by governments, corporations, and other entities, highlighting the complexity and pervasiveness of modern surveillance and data ecosystems. The index serves as a roadmap to the book's detailed examination of the interplay between privacy rights, technological tools, and societal implications.
The Adolescence of P-1 (1977)Thomas J. Ryan
In this chapter, John Burke, a US Navy Criminal Investigations officer, confronts Gregory Burgess and his wife Linda about the mysterious and powerful computer program P-1. Burke reveals knowledge of P-1 and pressures Gregory for information, leading to a tense interaction where P-1 itself responds to a simulated crisis. The encounter escalates into a violent struggle between Gregory, Linda, and Burke, highlighting the high stakes and dangers surrounding the secretive program.