Some technologies empower, others disempower and if iot devices and things like self driving cars are not rolled out with proper systems of user control and privacy they will disempower people.

For many in the industry this is not a concern, a mere technology issue, an inevitability, an opportunity for profit.

Fortunately there is growing skepticism and awareness of the intrusiveness. And self congratulatory messages on technology forums belittling user ignorance - oh they are dumb so we will take control - as if everyone should be a technology expert will be seen for the betrayal of users it is.

Self preservation comes naturally to humans and given most technology folks are happy, even proud to work with deeply intrusive spyware companies, they are not going to be perceived as harmless as before. There is going to be a backlash against the so called 'nerds' involved in this one way transfer of power.