'State of Surveillance' with Edward Snowden and Shane Smith (VICE on HBO: Season 4, Episode 13)

Summary

The video script from VICE explores the pervasive issue of surveillance, featuring an interview with Edward Snowden. It delves into the capabilities of government agencies like the NSA to hack and monitor personal devices, the use of IMSI catchers for metadata collection, and the implications of mass surveillance on privacy and civil liberties. Snowden warns of the potential for 'turnkey tyranny,' emphasizing the risks of unchecked surveillance powers in the hands of future administrations.

Takeaways

• 📱 The script discusses the capability of hackers and surveillance programs to remotely control and monitor devices like phones and laptops, raising privacy concerns.
• 🕵️‍♂️ It suggests that even if a person buys a device, if it's hacked, the hacker essentially becomes the owner, able to operate the device's features independently.
• 🔍 The script highlights the difficulty in detecting if a phone has been hacked, emphasizing the invisible nature of modern surveillance.
• 🗣️ The conversation between Edward and Shane explores the extent to which government agencies can spy on individuals, including accessing all personal information on a phone.
• 🌐 The script mentions the use of technology like IMSI catchers that can intercept metadata without hacking the phone, indicating how easily surveillance can be conducted.
• 🔑 The script reveals the 'Shenanigans' program, showing how surveillance technology can be transferred from war zones to domestic use, raising questions about civil liberties.
• 🛑 It points out the ineffectiveness of mass surveillance in preventing terrorist attacks, referencing independent commissions that found no evidence of success in stopping attacks.
• 📉 The script criticizes the lack of implementation of recommended reforms for surveillance programs, suggesting a resistance to change within the government.
• 🔒 Edward Snowden's perspective is presented, warning about the potential for future abuse of surveillance systems, even if the current government is trusted.
• 👮‍♂️ The script touches on the use of surveillance technology by police forces worldwide, including its use in monitoring protesters and everyday citizens.
• 📝 The final takeaway is about the importance of having a legal framework to protect privacy and the dangers of 'secret law' that operates without public knowledge or consent.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Edward regarding the ownership of a phone after it has been hacked?

Edward's main concern is that once a phone is hacked, the person who hacked it effectively becomes the owner of the device, capable of operating it independently without the user's knowledge.

What capability does Shane suggest might be possible after hacking into a phone?

Shane suggests that after hacking into a phone, it might be possible to remotely turn on the phone's camera, indicating a breach of privacy.

Why does Edward say it's terrifying if your phone has been hacked?

Edward finds it terrifying because if your phone has been hacked, you would likely never know, leaving you unaware of the potential privacy invasions and surveillance.

What is the significance of the hotel Metropol in Moscow in the context of the script?

The hotel Metropol in Moscow is significant because it was historically the designated hotel for foreigners, rumored to have every room bugged, symbolizing the pervasive nature of surveillance.

What was the controversy that raged for three years regarding the US government's surveillance?

The controversy was about the US government's surveillance of its own people, which was brought to a tipping point after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, CA, and the subsequent legal battle between Apple and the FBI over accessing a shooter's phone.

What was the outcome when the FBI attempted to force Apple to help break into a phone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters?

Apple refused to comply, stating that no court could order them to do so. However, it was later revealed that the FBI was able to crack the iPhone without Apple's help.

How does Edward Snowden's whistleblowing impact the perception of surveillance capabilities of the government?

Edward Snowden's whistleblowing proved that the government already had the capability to conduct mass surveillance, which polarized public opinion about him, with some considering him a hero and others a traitor.

What is an IMSI catcher, and how does it relate to the surveillance discussed in the script?

An IMSI catcher is a device that can intercept a phone's metadata remotely by masquerading as a legitimate cellphone tower. It is relevant to the surveillance discussed in the script as it exemplifies the technology that can be used to spy on individuals without their knowledge.

What is the 'Shenanigans' program, and how does it illustrate the shift from war front to home front surveillance?

The 'Shenanigans' program is a joint CIA/NSA initiative that involved mounting IMSI catchers on airplanes to monitor cities. It illustrates the shift from war front to home front surveillance as the same technology initially tested in Yemen for targeting terrorists was later used domestically within the United States.

What is the significance of the statement 'We already knew about these guys in the databases' in the context of mass surveillance?

This statement highlights the ineffectiveness of mass surveillance in preventing terrorist attacks. Despite having extensive surveillance, the individuals involved in terrorist activities were already known to the databases, suggesting that mass surveillance does not necessarily lead to effective prevention.

What is the term 'turnkey tyranny' as mentioned by Edward, and what does it imply about future governance?

The term 'turnkey tyranny' refers to a situation where the infrastructure for mass surveillance and control is already in place and can be activated by a government at any time. It implies a future where citizens could be vulnerable to unchecked surveillance and control by the state, regardless of who is in power.

What does Edward suggest about the potential misuse of recorded data in the future?

Edward suggests a dangerous future where recorded data could be misused against individuals. For example, if someone's unguarded statement is recorded and later used against them when political circumstances change, it could lead to severe consequences.