To be clear, I don’t subscribe to the idea of “Nothing to Hide.” It’s a bullshit argument. The reason why I’m asking this is because I want to be able to explain why it’s bullshit. I don’t like the fact that many people, including ones in my family, are willing giving up their right to privacy simply because they’ve become accustomed to convenience that modern technology has afforded them. I, myself, have been guilty of these but I’m actively taking steps to take back my privacy and potentially help others as well.
Bonus question: Many people will retort with things “Do you want criminals walking our streets?” or bring up an anecdote about how Flock, Ring or any other surveillance companies’ cameras helped solve a crime or found a missing person. Flock themselves have a blog post series called #SolvedStories where they list so-called “success stories” about their cameras solving a case. Of course, I don’t want criminals walking our streets and, sure, those stories might pull my heartstrings but what’s the bigger picture?
I have nothing to hide. I love the color red. I tell someone that red is better than green.
A new politician comes into power who likes the color green. They decide that green is the best and anyone who disagrees will be put to death.
I had nothing to hide, so my statement is already public. They can now track me down and have me executed.
It doesn’t matter that I always liked green. It doesn’t matter that my opinions have changed and I now like green more than red. It doesn’t matter if they actually care about people’s favourite color, or if it’s just an excuse to arrest and kill anyone they want.
I may not have anything to hide, but even the most innocent statement can be used against me by anyone with power and no morals.
“I need privacy, not because my actions are questionable, but because your judgement and intentions are.”