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Comment by totocino | Hacker News Reader

I look at it the other way: as exploits become more and more underground, I feel safer: I know those exploits are more likely to be used by state actors against activists and other people who are doing illegal stuff, and less likely to be used against me and millions of other users to install malware on our phones (to make them send spam, to make them send expensive texts...)

So yes I feel safer now.

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Perhaps you feel that way because you have the luxury of living in a place where human rights are respected. That these exploits are being used by regimes to shut down opposition is terrible in its own right.

Edit: As for net effect on global society, I think having my phone be part of a botnet that sends spam is less impactful than disrupting democratic progress.

The point still stands: these bad regimes will find it harder to do their dirty work as security increases.

"I know those exploits are more likely to be used by state actors against activists and other people who are doing illegal stuff"

State actors usually have their own opinions about what's legal and what's not, and they tend to give themselves the benefit of the doubt because... the mission must succeed! So no, this "undergrounding" should not make you feel safer. You never know when you're going to cross paths with the next Snowden or any whistleblower or human rights activist.

I know its cliche at this point but I'm going to once again point out that to some state actors, simply being gay is the illegal stuff they are looking for, and the penalty may be death. They do not feel safer now.

You're not an activist yet. It's probably unwise to dismiss this possibility out of hand: governments change, and you might find yourself in strong enough disagreement that you'll need to speak up or act. Or your employer might do something so nefarious you'll feel the need to blow the whistle.

If there is ever a point when you feel the need to rise up, but can't because you gave in to government and corporate surveillance and lock down in the first place, that would be a pity.

"activists and other people who are doing illegal stuff"

Does this actually read how you intended it to, or was there an invisible comma/parenthesis there?

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