1984?

In his epic book '1984', distinguished author George Orwell wrote of his fears of a future society in which all of humanity would be monitored 24/7, and all aspects of their lives - including their thoughts would be controlled. The State banned language and invented 'newspeak' - a way of talking which limited expression, and made critical communication impossible.

Back in 1949 when Orwell wrote his book, he expresses fears that society will be increasingly controlled envisaging cameras everywhere and spies listening to and reporting every utterance. He wrote about the dreaded 'thought police' who rounded up those with 'dangerous' thoughts - and sent them to concentration camp-like places, where they were tortured and brainwashed until every ounce of individuality was extruded from them.

Orwell also spoke of an intrusive government which addressed citizens thru huge, always-on monitors in their homes, and which had criminalized virtually everything in the interest of absolute control.

Well, Orwell got the year wrong, that's a fact. But in 2009, our freedom and privacy has been eroded to such an extent that we may as well be living in his vision of 1984.

At GCHQ, the Government's main spy center in Cheltenham, technicians have been honing their surveillance skills for some years as part of the so-called Fight against Terror.

Using extreme technology, they are able to 'spy' on suspects 24/7, with amazing clarity. In an ongoing trial, volunteers at GCHQ are monitored as they go about their daily lives.

Mobile phones give away their exact location whenever the phone is on, and all phones which are WiFi-enabled can be switched on remotely by the network. microphones can be opened to allow monitoring of 'background' noise.

ID Cards carry 'proximity chips' which register your position as you walk past sensors placed along roadsides & in towns. The UK has THE WORLD'S largest network of CCTV cameras, most of which are now equipped with face-recognition & number-plate recognition technology, and can be used remotely to track, follow & actually watch your every move. Satellites have high-definition cameras which can even read your newspaper as you carry it down your street.

Credit & debit card transactions give away your location- and spending patterns too, bank accounts & records are visible to virtually everyone with an 'official need' to see them, whilst even Sky & Cable TV boxes upload your viewing patterns to anyone who asks.

The GCHQ volunteers were shocked to realise how easy it had been to 'follow' them, and how much information could easily be gathered even using current technology. some were on video or audio for most of their days, and the most personal details were obtained by their 'spy' bosses.

Technology is urgently being developed to synchronise & link all of the above surveillance methods, so, effectively, type in NAME, press GO... and you're on camera, and ALL of your details are on screen.



The bad news is that our government is no longer satisfied at just 'watching' terrorists. They are desperate to expand their surveillance and take a total control of our lives, and given the time, they will.

Not worried? You need to be...