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Book cover of Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government Is Creating a New American Surveillance State by Byron Tau

Means of Control

How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government Is Creating a New American Surveillance State

By Byron Tau

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About Means of Control

Byron Tau investigates connections among government agencies, technology companies, and the commercial market for personal data.

The book examines how information generated through ordinary digital activity can be gathered, traded, and used for surveillance. It raises questions about privacy, oversight, and accountability.

Following Chip War, it changes the focus from control of computing infrastructure to control of the information that flows through it.

Why I include it

I find Tau’s reporting clear and unsettling, and pairs it with Chip War to show that influence depends on information as well as infrastructure.

Collection 04 · Read 2

Tech, Surveillance & the New Cold War

After chip infrastructure, turn to the collection and commercial use of information.

What to look for while reading

Who gathers data, who buys access, and who can act on it? Compare technical capability with oversight and accountability.

Perspective & context

I brought these books together to compare perspectives and develop judgment. No single author has the final word.

Key themes

  • Data brokers
  • Surveillance
  • Privacy

Praise & Reviews

“Well-written and compelling”
— The Cipher Brief

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