OK, so I've been criticized on HN over my comments about this article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...udis-suspected-of-phone-spying-campaign-in-us I've argued that Saudis -- or at least those who'd be traveling in the US -- would be aware that their government would be tracking and monitoring them. See https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22721790 Maybe I'm just projecting. But I don't speak the language, and have no clue how to find out what's the case. So if anyone can point me to evidence, one way or another, I'd appreciate the help.
So have to prove at HN that Saudis are aware of the surveillance? Or that the Saudi goverment is spying their citizens? I think first one is very hard to prove, it's like trying to prove that average citizen in certain communist country are aware of their own goverment lies, censorship and naive propaganda attempts to blame west. But second one is easier, just point out the case of the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi that wast tracked by Saudi goverment throught 3rd-party Israel contractor company. Heck, I even have that company marketing prochure where they brag their phone tracking cabapilities if you are interested.
Yeah, that's the question. In my naive Western privacy freak mindset, I imagine that most residents of authoritarian and surveillance-happy regimes are aware that they're under surveillance. I mean, every adult in the US is arguably aware that violating speed limits etc is risky. Typically, when I drive to buy food, I see at least one police vehicle, and often two or more. And just about everyone in communist East Germany knew that there were informers everywhere. But I have no clue really what most Saudis think.
I argue most Saudis know. But don't care or pretend they don't care so as to have a false sense of control. Just like the rest of us.
In some countries there is CCTV in every corner. While in others you are lucky if you see even one. It all depends of the country, goverment and how visible it all is. But l agree with @zapjb : They know but pretend not to .... How could they not? Unless Saudi goverment also censors news of the tracking Saudi journalist across US and murdering him? And that Bezos phone hacking was quite visible too in the Net.
I was hoping that maybe someone could point me to something authoritative -- but not official -- in Arabic. Maybe something like EFF. I'll see what I can find using Google Translate and search sites.
@mirimir recently, there was this @Spartan guy in another thread here said he's from uae. so he might be of help.
I'm not from the UAE but I live there since 30 years. I don't like to get involved in such discussions but the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world. Yes there are CCTV cameras everywhere, literally. IMO many countries have surveillance and tracking for their own security and as long someone isn't doing anything wrong, they shouldn't be worried.
@Spartan -- Thanks But do you think that most Saudis are aware that they're under surveillance? And to be clear, I'm not asking whether they object to it, or believe that it's essential. Just whether they're aware of it.
