List your favorite sci-fi or privacy focused movies or tv shows. I think we can get Ex Machina and Black Mirror out of the way (diehards are going to add them anyway).
Personally I think the more clever critiques of surveillance were less 1984 style of an omnipotent police state and more in the style of A Scanner Darkly where mass surveillance becomes a means of self oppression as it slowly rots away our sanity. Great sci-fi follows the Alex Gibson approach of being less concerned about technology and more about how we are shaped by that technology, which is something Philip K Dick was incredibly proficient at. It also had this very bizarre Alex Jones cameo which makes it a great time capsule for the often ideologically muddled 00s era libertarianism.
Also an honourable mention to Metal Gear Solid 2 for exploring how mass information instead of mass censorship being a mode of control, with a deep state that has totally become fully automated and untethered from its original purpose.
If you want to see the relation between how a hive mind brainwashed propagandized society and the dangers of turning a blind eye to McCarthyism like subject matters - all of which can be seen even today with how apathetic people are to important topics like privacy, surveillance, cybersecurity, and our digital rights online (for one reason or another), the best movie to watch is Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956).
Another great one is The Conversation (1974) that focuses on surveillance.
I also can’t believe no one mentioned this but Person of Interest (2011-2016) is another excellent show to watch. Privacy, surveillance, big brother, intrigue - it has it all.
I think it is the only option once you find out about it.
Convenience
Getting all your media in one place, at better quality, without friction, makes it irrational to punish yourself by using worse services.
Economically
Why should we pay to have our data stolen because some powerful lobbyists want to protect an outdated business model. If there is infinite supply of something, it is anticompetitive to create laws that restrict the production of that thing.
Morally
It preserves human culture. This is a noble goal age and should be celebrated. The danger for most creatives is obscurity. If they become popular through sharing, they can make money through real business models like concerts or physical media, contrary to getting pennies on the penny from streaming, and small creators being abused by platforms.
Privacy
Netflix and third parties monetizes every second and every interaction when you use their services. All the way from your bank, to your credit card, to your ISP, to Netflix, to data brokers, to advertisers—all of it is logged and sold.
Offline media or alternative providers cut through all of that.
Conclusion
I will share. I will gain privacy, freedom, protect culture, and help smaller artists. I recommend the book Against Intellectual Monopoly (shared by the author) to learn more.
One relevant movie that has been flying under the radar for many years is Enemy Of The State (although the director’s cut is not as good as the original, IMO). If I may suggest a documentary: We Live In Public (about a group of people that deliberately chooses to film themselves publicly).
Regarding “We Live in Public”: Lots of interesting extra features on DVD (I don’t know if its still possible to buy). Especially the commentary with director Ondi Timoner.
