Big Brother’s Watching You: Why It’s Time to Give Him a Break

Aapko yaad hai jab aapke Dadi-Nani aapko aksar keh kar “Beta, sab dekh rahe hain” dhamkaya karti thi? Well, turns out, it wasn't just the aunties in the neighborhood gossiping behind your back. It’s actually Big Brother—and he’s very much alive, kicking, and watching you from every corner of your life.

Yes, folks! Welcome to the world of government surveillance, where your every move, every tweet, and probably even every time you cough in a crowded space is being monitored. Dekhiye, aap chhup bhi nahi sakte!

The idea of a government that keeps an eye on everything you do sounds like a dystopian plot from a Bollywood thriller. Remember the plot of Ra.One? G.One may have been an artificial intelligence villain, but what if we told you that we’re headed towards a world where the government is watching everything without any help from AI?

Aapka Privacy Kahan Gaya?

Let’s be honest: privacy in India is fast becoming a luxury, not a right. From facial recognition technology (yes, your face is everywhere), to the government’s Aadhaar database, and even the ever-growing “smart” surveillance cameras in public spaces, the eyes on you have multiplied faster than the number of WhatsApp groups you’re part of.

But here’s the kicker: do we really need to keep being watched all the time? Libertarians would argue a hard no. For us, freedom means freedom to exist without someone constantly looking over your shoulder. Whether you’re buying a samosa at your local chaiwala or just taking a stroll through a market in Chandni Chowk, why should your every move be recorded?

The Real Problem: “Big Brother” Is Too Big

Let’s break this down. Big Brother is the government, the constantly hovering overreaching force that wants to be in your business 24/7. Need an example? Think about those CCTV cameras in every corner of your city. Think about the Aadhaar verification you need for the simplest of tasks, from opening a bank account to buying a phone. Your every move is being tracked in the name of security, but what about your right to privacy?

You wouldn’t let your neighbors snoop into your bedroom, right? Then why should the government be allowed to snoop into your every personal detail? If a neighbor peeks into your house, you’d call them a “chupa rustam” (or worse, a “bakra”), but when the government does it—suddenly, it’s called “security.”

The Dark Side of Facial Recognition in India

In recent years, cities like Delhi and Bangalore have been experimenting with facial recognition technology, where cameras can spot your face among thousands of others. It’s like having a “friend” who’s always watching you, but you didn’t invite them. While it may sound futuristic and cool, it’s creeping towards a world where everyone’s face becomes part of an uninvited surveillance party.

Remember that day you tried to escape your friend’s wedding by pretending to be busy? Well, if you passed by one of these cameras, you’re toast—the government knows where you were, when you were there, and for how long you pretended to be “too busy” to attend that wedding. No more secret escapes to binge-watch Netflix.

But Why Should You Care?

Now, I hear some of you saying, “Arre bhai, main toh kuch wrong nahi kar raha hoon, why should I care?” (Honestly, that’s the common thought most people have.)

Here’s why: it’s not about you, it’s about your freedom. No one should have the right to keep tabs on you unless you’re doing something that truly harms others. If you’re just walking through the streets of Mumbai, minding your business, should you be “watched”? If you’re enjoying a Bollywood movie without any illegal activity involved, do you really need to be “tracked” for your preferences?

Imagine a world where every action of yours is being logged, and you have no idea what information the government has about you. That’s the beginning of something much scarier than just surveillance—it’s the erosion of individual freedoms.

Libertarianism: Free from Big Brother’s Eyes

Now, I’m not saying that we should throw away all surveillance and become chaotic. In fact, security is important. But the balance between keeping us safe and respecting our privacy is essential.

Libertarians believe that we shouldn't be forced to live under constant surveillance. Let individuals live freely without the government peeking into their lives, and instead focus on creating a society where people can voluntarily cooperate with each other. If someone does something illegal, let the law handle it—but don’t spy on everyone just to prevent crime. In the end, privacy is a human right, and it’s time we treated it as such.

So, how about we give Big Brother a break? Let's make sure the only thing watching you are your favorite cricket matches on TV, and not the government’s ever-watchful eye.

A Simple Solution: Let Us Be Free!

You don’t need to be a criminal to demand privacy. Everyone deserves the right to have their personal lives—well, personal. Whether it’s not being tracked on your phone or not being watched while you take that solo trip to Goa, let’s focus on a future where we don’t have to feel like we're constantly being followed.

Let’s live freely and let the government do its job without peeping into our lives.