I recently setup a home security system for on a renovation project, so we wanted something that could send us notifications. There was exactly one system that works by SMS only, and I like the simplicity: no ads, no phoning home to some server etc. I check the bill on the Sim card that the only activity is texting with my phone.

In the larger context it's easy to forget that good compromises are available, it doesn't have to be all surveillance or nothing at all.