Point 4 needs to be clarified here because it uses the word “criminal” without considering who has the power to name crimes. Homosexuality and abortion were crimes relatively recently. Homosexual acts were illegal in Jersey until 1990. The government is making it increasingly difficult (i.e. illegal) to protest, to assemble etc. Our intentions are judged, increasingly, and likely suspects – on the basis of their sociological markers – are deported or flung in jail for things well heeled researchers would be congratulated for.

Big Brother was never meant to be understood as benign, or caring. ID cards do not allow you to be known; they allow you to be judged, by those with the power to act on their judgements. That is the terrifying thought.