[colesantiago]

"> I’ve decided that in the shitty job market, it’s not worth being a software engineer even if I make much less. Part of it is being “specialized” in over-glorified surveillance so even if I change employers, what’s the guarantee I won’t be working on another surveillance product. Assuming I can even get another job.

...While six figures is certainly nice, it’s only nice if it’s ethically done. I’d much rather flip burgers or bag groceries than work on surveillance for six figures. "

Almost all companies, startups and corporations have surveillance in some way shape or form, if it is product analytics, webpage views, tracking, etc, even Mozilla has got into tracking, although the pay isn't FAANG level.

Unless you don't want to make over 6 figures in the US (assuming that is where he is from), perhaps work at a non-profit e.g. EFF or governmental work.

It's really expensive to be very principled, I'm sure your rent, family and children would thank you, especially if you leave the ENTIRE field and have no means of income other than savings which will certainly be spent on them rather than your startup.

[j16sdiz]

> Almost all company,... have surveillance...

If i understand correctly, OP was working on surveillance-enabling AI technology. Unlike traditional surveillance, it can actually scales.

and no, how high the false rate the AI is doesn't really matter. What really matters is is the fear of being constantly watched

[colesantiago]

They are all the same, surveillance-enabling, traditional surveillance is still surveillance and both fall under surveillance capitalism.

For website owners, as soon as you run or load Google Analytics, you are participating in surveillance capitalism for Google.

Same with email tracking links, IoT devices sending tracking data, product analytics or any identifying information.