Imagine a world where every move you make, every click, every purchase, is meticulously tracked and analyzed—not for your benefit, but to manipulate your choices and control your behavior. This is the chilling reality of unchecked AI and surveillance capitalism, and it’s threatening the very foundations of democracy. Brown University professor Suresh Venkatasubramanian warns that once data collection begins, it’s nearly impossible to stop. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this relentless pursuit of data a tool for progress, or a weapon to erode our freedoms? In his eye-opening video and article, How AI and Surveillance Capitalism Are Undermining Democracy (https://thebulletin.org/2025/08/how-ai-and-surveillance-capitalism-are-undermining-democracy/), Venkatasubramanian argues that without strict, well-designed regulations prioritizing safety and social well-being, AI could become as dangerous as any other unchecked technology. For instance, consider how targeted ads influence elections or how facial recognition systems disproportionately affect marginalized communities. And this is the part most people miss: The solution isn’t to abandon AI but to treat it like nuclear power or firearms—powerful tools that demand accountability and oversight. Video by Erik English (https://thebulletin.org/biography/erik-english/). Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can we strike a balance between innovation and ethical boundaries, or is the genie already out of the bottle? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
