I have tried to be conscious of any of the personally imposed surveillance that I take part in.

It’s futile, I’m sure, but: 

• I opt out of everything I can possibly opt out of online. 
• I talk shit to and about every Ring doorbell to anyone who will listen.
• I opt out of the biometric data collection at the TSA, despite some of the officers reminding me they have my data already. 

The point is, I like exercising my rights where the options still exist. Even if it is futile. 

And even if it is inconvenient for me, I’m not taking your online cookies. 

It deeply infuriates me that I’m not “allowed” to opt out of more. 

I can’t use my phone, camera, printer, or any other piece of tech without signing the terms and conditions that hold your item (and your family) hostage unless you give up the rights to your entire personhood in a written contract. 

But you spend three paychecks on these items and it feels like a simple click will get you there, so you sign away without reading a damned thing. 

Everything I buy feels like just another way for a company to get more access to more of my personal data. The merchandise or service they provide is so obviously an inconvenience to them, at this point. 

Data is king. And for many companies, your attention has become far more valuable than cash. 

The dollar may crash but the need for your unpaid labor and energy will never end!!!

READ THE SCRIPT FROM TODAY'S EPISODE on Julie's Medium Blog.

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