I wonder if Ecuador is the best example to use for the export of technology enabled authoritarianism?

I strongly suspect the generation of equipment installed in Ecuador misses the more recent and far more ominous AI/ML force multiplier effect of surveillance technology.

Mass customised surveillance price/performance is making an Orwellian/Stasi state a reality.

In terms of authoritarianism versus democracy my thoughts are:

Votes can’t be eaten Votes can’t shelter you Votes can’t employ you Votes can’t educate your children Votes can’t ensure a better quality of life for you children

Votes don’t equate to trust

I strongly prefer living under democracy than authoritarianism.

But if there was a hypothetical binary choice between:

Corrupt democratic government

And

Net Promoter Score responsive authoritarian government

I believe the needle will be shifting away from the former and towards the latter.

Perhaps the perception of democracy as a luxury with a questionable value proposition to many is one that should be better considered?

Do we want/need Government as a Service/Subscription?