Beware if a Request to be a Citizen Spies

Federal employees were instructed to act as citizen spies by reporting on their co-workers who work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility positions that might have gone unnoticed by government supervisors via emails on January 22, 2025, from the Office of Personnel Management. Non-compliance could result in repercussions for failing to report individuals holding positions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The emails indicated that some might use vague language to conceal these programs from supervisors. Employees were directed to inform the Office of Personnel Management about any changes in contract or position descriptions since November 5, 2024, that obscure links to DEIA initiatives.

Everyday citizens are often encouraged to report activities they consider antisocial by government agencies and law enforcement through socially positive programs like "See Something, Say Something." The goal is to raise public awareness and involve citizens in community safety.

However, citizen spying can also serve to reinforce authoritarian power. By encouraging individuals to monitor friends, neighbors, and co-workers, and report activities deemed contrary to community order, those in power increase their control over the populace. Spying can involve surveillance, reporting on acquaintances' activities, and participating in disinformation campaigns. This practice fosters fear and mistrust within communities, providing supporters of authoritarian regimes with a sense of importance.

Individuals may also preemptively spy to align with perceived expectations of authoritarian leaders, seeking praise or political pardon for their actions. This behavior is not limited to individuals but extends to larger organizations, driven by technological and data collection advances in monitoring citizens' activities. This includes government surveillance programs and private companies tracking individuals' online and offline behavior.

Citizen spying raises substantial privacy concerns by potentially collecting and sharing sensitive personal information without consent. The power to spy can be misused, targeting innocent people, suppressing dissent, and undermining civil liberties.

In summary, it is crucial to consider the nature of requests made by authority figures. Determine whether the request aims to ensure public safety or support the leader's position. If the intention is genuine public safety, report appropriately. Be aware that some requests framed as safety measures could serve to strengthen connections benefiting the leader.

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