Project MKUltra is a conspiracy theory that turned out to be true, revealing a grim chapter in the history of the American government. Initially dismissed as paranoid speculation, MKUltra was a real, secret CIA program that operated from 1953 to 1973.
Since the emergence of 4G and 5G smartphones, we continue to be spied on through cell phones and smart TVs, which are like MKUltra's modern cousin, but in a technological version.
With the arrival of 4G and 5G smartphones, and those televisions that seem to know more about you than your own mother, the feeling of being watched is everywhere. And it's not just paranoia:
documents leaked by Edward Snowden in 2013 confirmed that agencies like the NSA have programs which collect data from our phones, apps, and connected devices.
Smart TVs, with their always-on microphones and cameras, have also raised suspicions. Samsung, for example, had to clarify in 2015 that its TVs don't record conversations unless you activate a voice command. But, come on, who hasn't felt like their TV is "listening" to you when an ad for something you just mentioned comes on? And then, on your phone, you talk about a product and YouTube starts showing similar products. Is it a coincidence? I don't think so.
5G technology, with its speed and ability to connect thousands of devices, amplifies these concerns.
There are theories that 5G is a tool for mass surveillance, although there's no solid evidence of this. What is certain is that the amount of data we generate is a treasure trove for governments and companies.
In many Latin American countries, surveillance comes from local governments, companies, or even hackers. But it's true that in the US, the issue can be more pressing due to the power of agencies like the CIA and the NSA. Freedom of expression is protected in theory, but if you touch on certain sensitive topics—politics, national security, or even criticism of the system—you can end up on a "persons of interest" list. Cases like that of Julian Assange or the retaliation against whistleblowers show that freedom of expression isn't always as free as it seems.
In South America, although surveillance may be less sophisticated, there are also risks, such as governments monitoring social media to silence critical voices. For example, in countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua, there have been cases of activists being persecuted for what they post on X or WhatsApp.