With vast amounts of personal data at their disposal, tech companies, often in collaboration with government agencies, can peer into the lives of ordinary citizens with unprecedented clarity. This shift raises critical questions: Who watches the watchers?

The concept of a transparent government, where officials' actions are open to public scrutiny, has been a cornerstone. It empowered citizens to hold leaders accountable, whether through voting or economic influence. But the blurred lines between state and tech have shifted this dynamic.

The rise of tech, with its close relationship with government entities, has flipped the script. Where once the public could look into those in power, now the powerful have a clearer view into the lives of the public. This reversal has profound implications for the future of American values.