The article discusses the rise of “luxury surveillance” where individuals willingly buy into surveillance technologies and devices. It focuses on Amazon’s suite of products that gather data and track various aspects of people’s lives. These devices are seen as mechanisms of control and are compared to ankle monitors and surveillance apps used on parolees or immigrants. The article highlights the potential harms and risks associated with these devices, including deepening racial inequities and enabling harmful surveillance. It also emphasizes the normalization of surveillance that disproportionately targets marginalized communities. Overall, the article raises concerns about the privacy implications and the growing market for luxury surveillance.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rise of ‘Luxury Surveillance’ | Surveillance willingly bought | Increased reliance on personal data for control | Convenience and perceived benefits |
| Amazon’s suite of tech products | Collecting personal data | More data gathering and tracking by Amazon | Customer obsession and data-driven business model |
| Smart devices as mechanisms of control | Self-imposed control | Increased adoption of personal tracking devices | Desire for self-improvement and behavior modulation |
| Normalization of surveillance | Acceptance of more surveillance | Widespread use of surveillance technologies | Perceived benefits and societal norms |
| Luxury-surveillance market | Growing and diverse market | Expansion of luxury-surveillance offerings | Market demand and competition |
| Amazon’s consumer products | Turning homes into fulfillment centers | Increased integration of technology in homes | Customer obsession and data-driven business model |