In an age of pervasive surveillance, privacy may become a luxury commodity. As companies and governments track behavior relentlessly, some tech firms are beginning to offer “privacy subscriptions” — high-cost services that shield you from data collection, encrypt all communications, and mask your digital footprint.

This could create a stark divide where only the wealthy can afford anonymity, while most remain exposed to monitoring and manipulation. Privacy, a fundamental human right, risks becoming exclusive.

The societal impact could be profound: surveillance for the many, invisibility for the few. Policymakers and activists will need to fight to keep privacy accessible to all, not just a status symbol.