by Daniela Gonzalez One of the most obnoxious signs of this era is, to me, the nonchalant and desperate search for mass control – no matter what society you live in. In the iron grip of a dictatorship like the one formally declared after July 28th, one of the most humble creations of the digital era, known as the QR code, a symbol of modern convenience, is on the path to becoming a sinister tool of oppression, enslaving citizens in my country, Venezuela with a spiderweb of surveillance and control. Control mechanisms Here is a summary of the control mechanisms that have been identified in Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship. Institutional Control and Power Imbalance: There is a power imbalance without a clear separation of powers. State institutions and bodies respond to the guidelines of the national executive and support its social control policies. Repression and Terror: The regime (as the world should know by now) is using repression, violence, and terror as tools to maintain control, especially in the face of declining popular support and allegations of electoral fraud. Arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, torture, and other serious human rights violations have been documented. Cooptation of Institutions: The cooptation of all branches of government has been observed to maintain control of the state, regardless of the popular will expressed in elections. This is to keep under control the people in the most populated regions, or the areas they need to control, to avoid interruptions of their illegal activities. Strategic Alliances: Maduro has strengthened alliances with nations such as Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China, which contribute to further repressing the Venezuelan people: . The role of the Cuban security apparatus is specifically mentioned. Restriction of Political Participation: It is alleged that the opposition to the regime would have been much higher if the approximately 8 million Venezuelans who have left the country in recent years could vote on July 28th, 2024. Economic Control: While not detailed in the provided results, control over the economy and the distribution of resources is also a common control mechanism of authoritarian regimes. Creation of Maximum Security Institutions: The creation of “maximum security” prisons intended to “re-educate” political opponents was announced. Maduro’s despotic regime employs a combination of institutional control, repression, international alliances, and political restrictions to maintain power in Venezuela, stomping over the citizens, to keep stealing resources and narcotics trafficking. Refining of the technologies: QR codes The infamous “Ministry of Science” has worked for years on a “census” to assign a QR Code to each home. After 2020 and all the damage it brought along, by now, nobody should be so naive as to believe that the intention is “good”. There is nothing good in the mind of those sociopaths sitting in an office, draining your taxes and your country’s resources. Relentless Tracking and Monitoring The QR codes can be used to meticulously trace the movements of every citizen, recording their presence at events, public spaces, and even their participation in mundane activities. This information gathered in the shadowy offices of the Socialist Party societal control think tanks and other organizations, can be used to identify dissenters, those who dare to defy the regime’s iron will. This can be used to track protesters and apply the “reforms” to our Constitution. This group of so-called “reforms” is no other than a series of countermeasures to dehumanize and remove the rights to rebellion provided in the Art. 350 of our Constitution, for example. In their vision, the reforms will provide them with a “legal” frame for the atrocities they´re planning to suffocate civilian uprisings with lethal force. The Tiananmen massacre would be legal then, under that logic. Did you want an Orwellian 1984 scenario? This technology is even more than perfect for Big Brother. Denying Access to Basic Necessities QR codes can become the gatekeepers of essential services such as healthcare, education, and public transportation. The thugs disguised as a “government”, like a cruel gatekeeper, can control who gains access to these fundamental rights, conditioning their availability on an unwavering loyalty to the regime. This has happened already in the past: the infamous National Assembly deputy for that time, Luis Tascón, compiled (illegally stomping on our privacy rights) a list where all those who signed to impeach Hugo Chavez back in the 2000-2010 decade were denied any participation or benefits: no access to loans or credits from state-owned banks or other institutions, and in some instances, even denying healthcare; no access to public work, and of course, belonging to opposition political parties. Silencing Voices and Crushing Freedom The QR code can be wielded against freedom of expression, assembly, and movement. Imagine a society where a QR code is required to attend a protest or public gathering, enabling the regime to identify and brutally suppress any opposition, as they will track you right to your doorstep. No bueno. Manipulating Minds with Propaganda Like a puppeteer pulling strings, QR codes can spread propaganda and misinformation, distorting reality and molding public opinion to serve the regime’s twisted agenda. Economic Control and Oppression The QR code can extend its reach into the economic sphere, controlling the financial transactions of citizens, and limiting their ability to spend or save. This power over the economy allows the regime to tighten its grip on the population, ensuring compliance through economic coercion. It is crucial to remember that the use of QR codes in a dictatorship is a grave violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This seemingly innocuous tool, in the hands of an authoritarian regime, can be transformed into an instrument of oppression, enslaving the population and extinguishing the flames of liberty. How can people protect themselves from technological dictatorships? In situations of repression and violence, there are non-violent alternatives that people can consider to protect themselves and defend their rights: Community organization and support: Forming neighborhood support networks is paramount. There is a practice where suddenly the police kidnap young men, dragging them to a patrol car, and practically disappearing them from the world. This practice has found serious obstacles when the neighbors, once aware a kidnapping is on the move, start reacting and defending the youngsters. Collective presence and support can deter violent actions and facilitate seeking help. Documentation: Recording and documenting incidents of repression and violence (whenever it is safe to do so) can be crucial to make the situation visible and seek justice in the long term. This may include taking notes, photos, or videos discreetly and safely. This has blown out in the faces of many thugs disguised as “cops” or “guards”. Situational awareness and avoidance: Maintaining awareness of the surroundings and avoiding high-risk areas or situations can help prevent exposure to brutality. This involves staying informed about the situation in the city and making prudent decisions about where and when to move. Seeking safe refuge: Identifying and having knowledge of safe places to turn to in case of danger (homes of family, friends, churches, or other organizations that can offer shelter). Using different addresses can be a smart move. On the other hand, the best move is to remain utterly anonymous. Communication and information dissemination: Using secure communication channels to inform others about the situation and seek support or resources. This may include using social media with caution, encrypted messaging applications, or contacting human rights organizations. Don’t use social media apps. The corps will scan your device and you will be in deep trouble unless you are extra paranoid deleting everything they want to call “compromising information”. I have read in some networks out of the public eye that even using apps like BinancePay can get people in trouble. Be advised. Reporting to human rights organizations: Contact local and international HHRR organizations to report the situation and seek their support and protection. These organizations can offer advice, and legal assistance to make the situation internationally public. This can increase the pressure on the regimes, and damage the harmless image they try to project. Non-violent civil resistance: The communities are starting to participate in forms of non-violent civil resistance, such as peaceful protests (whenever conditions allow it), dissemination of information, or acts of solidarity that are a way to express rejection of repression. However, this is done with extreme caution and awareness of the risks. Psychological support: Seeking psychological support to cope with the stress, fear, and anxiety that these situations can generate. Emotional well-being is essential to be able to face adversity. It is important to remember that the choice of what actions to take will depend on the specific situation, the risks involved, and the capabilities of each person. Personal safety should always be the priority. What comes next? We are now heading into a spiral of unknown consequences. The recent events have opened Pandora’s box, and the dire echoes of the 2016-2018 hyperinflation and scarcity are stronger every week. Stockpiling dry food, water, and other supplies is the least we can do. Those with a patch of land have started to prepare for another period of scarcity, getting seeds, increasing their hen flocks, and doing whatever they can, including precautions against marauders. Many of us have already begun to lose weight. A family friend bought a $5 kitchen scale to weigh the proteins for their kids…so, people seem to be better prepared for this occasion. And now the protests will have a legal base: they have to surrender, because of the committed fraud on July 28th. Thanks for reading, and spread the word by writing to your Congressman and supporting our cause! About Daniela Daniela Gonzalez is a student of history at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas. The post How QR Codes Are Being Used for Societal Control appeared first on The Organic Prepper.