Yes, friends, this week’s CYBER podcast was recorded from the comfort of our apartments. Because, well, the very global and very serious COVID-19 pandemic has relegated us to there.
That said, today on the show we thought it would be important to discuss how coronavirus could affect the future of state and corporate surveillance. Like 9/11 and the quick enactment of the Patriot Act, there is already evidence of a boom for the surveillance industrial complex.
Videos by VICE
For example, one company is advertising how it can leverage video surveillance software to spot people who have a fever, Iran launched an app it claimed to diagnose coronavirus (which really just tracked its citizens), while the Israeli government has already given Shin Bet (its domestic police agency) access to secretive cellular location data to see who coronavirus patients have interacted with in an effort to stem the disease.
In other words, sometimes during a crisis companies react by exploiting a business opportunity and governments might look to increase their Big Brother powers. Motherboard editor-in-chief Jason Koebler joins host Ben Makuch on the show to explain more.
More
From VICE
-
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provaí of Kneecap perform on the West Holts stage during day four of Glastonbury festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 28, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. Established by Michael Eavis in 1970, Glastonbury has grown into the UK's largest music festival, drawing over 200,000 fans to enjoy performances across more than 100 stages. In 2026, the festival will take a fallow year, a planned pause to allow the Worthy Farm site time to rest and recover. (Photo by Ki Price/WireImage) -
Photo courtesy of the author -
Screenshot: Jaw Drop Games -
Screenshot: TNK
