The lack of support from authorities leads Matthew to lose trust in institutions and question who to trust.
Matthew's experience highlights the importance of resilience and adaptation in a world where trust is eroded.
Deep dives
Matthew Earle Receives Mysterious Documents
Matthew Earle, a man living outside London, receives a nine-page document full of information about himself, including a photo of him opening his front door. The document also contains a picture of his own house, taken several months before. This experience leaves Matthew questioning who is watching him and feeling a loss of trust in those around him.
Matthew's Trust in Institutions Falters
Matthew, a short-seller who believes in the notion of good guys and bad guys, loses faith in institutions when he receives no help or intervention from authorities regarding the surveillance and harassment he is experiencing. The lack of support leaves Matthew feeling helpless and unsure of who or what to trust.
Matthew Finds Help from Citizen Lab
Matthew seeks help from Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity watchdog group, who launches an investigation into the hacking operation targeting him. Matthew's vigilance in sharing suspicious emails allows Citizen Lab to uncover a global hacking operation conducted by an Indian company. With their collective efforts, they shed light on the harassment and bring attention to the issue.
Resilience and Operating in a World without Trust
Matthew's experience teaches him the importance of resilience and adaptation in a world where trust is eroded. By not succumbing to paralysis, Matthew learns to navigate through the challenges and helps Citizen Lab in their investigation. Mistrust becomes a tool for survival and operating effectively in a world where trust can no longer be taken for granted.
Hacking, phishing, surveillance, disinformation... these are tools used to silence dissidents and influence elections. But what happens when these same methods are used against an ordinary citizen? The story of a man fighting an enemy he can't see and becoming increasingly paranoid.Which makes him a lot like the rest of us. What happens when you no longer know how to trust?