Economist Podcasts
The Intelligence: I spy, with my Valley eye
Dec 5, 2023
Guy Scriven, the US technology correspondent for The Economist, delves into the surge in surveillance tech sales from Silicon Valley to law enforcement, raising important ethical concerns. Kenneth Werner explores the intertwining of religious beliefs and abortion rights, shedding light on legal challenges and progressive activists leveraging faith in their fight for reproductive freedom. The discussion also highlights the environmental struggles faced by Northern Ireland's Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming site, amid tourism's impacts.
21:10
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Quick takeaways
- The growing supply of surveillance technology in the US is driven by a shift in attitudes among technology firms, leading them to sell their products and services to governments and defense industries.
- A unique trend has emerged in the abortion debate in America, with religious campaigners arguing for the right to choose in order to protect their religious liberties, highlighting the complexity of the intersection between law, religion, and reproductive rights.
Deep dives
Surveillance Technology: Drones and Satellites
Law enforcement agencies in the US are increasingly using drones and satellites for surveillance purposes. The technology behind drones has improved significantly, making them more accessible and effective for police forces. Satellites, on the other hand, have become more advanced, offering features like high-frequency imaging every hour. Furthermore, various software platforms are being developed to analyze data from social media and surveillance cameras. This growing supply of surveillance technology is driven by a shift in attitudes among technology firms, leading them to sell their products and services to governments and defense industries.
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