The most salient feature of totalitarianism is control of movement, which entails tracking each citizen. Before the internet era, this could only be achieved roughly. The state knew John Smith lived on Lumumba Street and worked on Stalin Avenue. If Smith wanted to spend a night at a woman’s apartment, she had to register him at the neighborhood police station. Big Brother entered the bedroom, but not totally, for he couldn’t hear all the sibilants, exhalations and squishes. Daytime movement was generally unmonitored, but the state always knew where you were at night. Smith’s ID card also prevented him from … Continue reading →

Source: Cull, Track, and Control