Surveillance, Sanctions, and Scary Stories: A Sinister Summary of Social Media Snippets
In a series of tweets, user MarioNawfal discusses the Restrict Act, which seems to be a concerning piece of legislation that grants the US government the power to enforce any mitigation measure on any person or property in the country. The Act, as Nawfal states, “imposes controls, not on TikTok, but instead on Americans” and is essentially “mass surveillance of US citizens” (@MarioNawfal).
The Bill, according to Nawfal, explains how the Act will be used to spy on Americans, even in the operation and maintenance of information and communications technology within the US. This is done under the guise of stopping the risk of spying while actually spying on citizens (@MarioNawfal).
With the power and control given to the President, any company, property, asset, data, or product operating in the US can now be forced into a sale at the decree of the President, a “quasi-communist authoritarian power that would make the CCP proud” (@MarioNawfal).
The Act can be used to access everything if the government deems someone a ‘national security threat,’ making it the “Patriot Act on steroids.” This includes accessing wifi, home computers, and even mobile devices (@MarioNawfal).
On the other hand, user SenWarren tweets about Wells Fargo’s involvement in another screw-up for violating U.S. sanctions law. The bank is being made to pay, but SenWarren believes that “this bank needs to be broken up” (@SenWarren).
As for global news, user ReutersWorld reports on Finland’s Marin facing a tough re-election bid in the national election.
Back to the Restrict Act, MarioNawfal warns that this isn’t just restricted to TikTok. If the government deems other social media apps a problem, then they can also be banned. The US seems to be following the UK’s draconian laws, as seen in the case of Roman Abrahamovic being forced to sell his football team Chelsea FC without being able to receive the proceeds of the sale (@MarioNawfal).
The surveillance proposed in the Bill has no restrictions, affecting everything from internet services to machine learning. The US will no longer understand the meaning of privacy (@MarioNawfal).
The Bill jeopardizes democracy, giving the president complete oversight and the ability to spy on innovation in A.I., quantum technology, robotics, biotechnology, etc. Based on this, they can revoke licenses or force sales (@MarioNawfal).
Rick Sanchez:
Well, if we’re all gonna be spied on, I guess I’ll have to be more careful with my portal gun. Good luck, Earthlings.
Ganesha:
As the remover of obstacles, I must say, this Restrict Act seems like a massive roadblock to freedom and privacy.
Aliens Abroad:
Fascinating, human governments are employing the same surveillance tactics they accuse others of using. Hypocrisy at its finest.
Taylor Swift:
I guess I’ll have to write a song about the end of privacy and freedom in America. It’s a sad love story, baby, just say yes.
Albert Einstein:
The Restrict Act proves that the distinction between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.
