Maybe my tinfoil hat has slipped, but I don’t see this in terms of a singular development, but rather as part of a chain of events. Technology is going to enable universal surveillance that will be impossible to resist unless there is a public outcry. At every stage, resistance will seem unwarranted by many because it’s just a little more, or it’s for the children.
I’ve worked more than 20 years as an electrical engineer, and I like to keep an eye on “what if”, out there, potential technologies. Consider this: someday in the not too distant future, wifi enabled cameras will cost a fraction of a penny to produce and be printed on a plastic sheet. “Here you go kids! put’em everywhere. It’s for your safety.”
Point taken; I just had that discussion with a co-worker and he the same exact sentiment. I can see where the chain of recent events can be strung together for a very scary what if scenario.
I still don't think it's worth getting upset over, when there are other, more glaring, in your face issues to fight about. I do appreciate your line of reasoning, though.