Not much difference than the way all modern society works with technology today. Big tech firms often scan our stuff without our knowledge ([1] for example) and manipulate people with advanced algorithms to simply hand stuff over. The only difference is that we have the illusion that we are making a choice.

But now, ask yourself: if you need to work a regular job and do regular stuff (i.e. you're not super rich), how easy is it to go through life without a smartphone? Banks often require one for two-factor authentication. Many businesses communicate through Whatsapp around the world. My condominium's condo fees are only viewable through an app. Etc. If a person HATES smartphones, and NEVER wants to use one, it would be difficult, no question. So, that person is FORCED to use one.

Some people like them, but others hate them and have to use them anyway. Whether you like it or not, we are forced to carry these surveillance devices around because many components of modern infrastructure are starting to require smartphoines.

The only difference between Serbia and here is that Serbian police do it, whereas in the West, all of society collaborates in a downward spiral to do it, which is also heralded and encouraged by law enforcement here too.

References

1. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/apple-agrees-to-...