Top 10 technologies for tyranny
By Iain Thomson
Jan 18, 2010 9:29 AM
Essential tools for up-and-coming despots."
The top five
5. Malware/keyloggers
4. CCTV
3. Databases
The beauty of the database is that it creates a streamlined, efficient method for reducing everyday human activity to a collection of statistics. A well-maintained database is particularly effective in times of strife, as modern tools have made it possible to cross-reference names and locations with previously flagged entries.
2. Web monitoring
...some countries have set up their own internal web monitoring systems, notably China although other countries also practice this. Such systems not only allow content to be blocked at source but also allow the authorities to keep track of what individuals are doing online. They are helped in this by companies operating in the country in question more often than not.
Basically web monitoring is just another form of undercover surveillance, but as the world becomes to rely more and more on the internet so web monitoring is becoming more useful as a method for crushing dissent.
1. Firewalls
Truly, for the ruler who demands the finest in information suppression, the large-scale public firewall is a must.
