David Brin advanced the Transparent Society argument in 1996. It's fair to say that it has failed empirical tests. His so-called "sousveillance" (observation from below) is possible, yes, but at every step empowered elites, in both liberal and illiberal states, or more lately, in formerly-liberal states, have obstructed such measures.
Technology is largely not neutral and is instead a power-multiplier.