Americans frequently talk online about censorship and the dangers of Big Tech and corporation gatekeeping. When they discuss these things a common subject, especially among right leaning voters, involves political discrimination.

One of the themes in online discussion includes credit card companies that track customer purchases and could potentially report certain purchases or even block usage. American reactions to this are deeply influenced by broader socio-political contexts, personal privacy concerns, and economic security apprehensions.

Americans Worry About Privacy

A huge concern for Americans across the political spectrum is privacy and surveillance. People express unease at the idea of Big Tech companies or other corporations having detailed records of their purchasing habits. This creates a sense of being constantly watched, which feels invasive to most citizens.

Many people also fear how their data might be used. There are worries around data marketing strategies or information being shared with third parties including government entities. Some see it as a breach of personal freedom, challenging the right to privacy in a digital age increasingly dominated by data capitalism.

Financial Surveillance and Censorship

Many Americans question whether they can trust banks or credit card companies. Discussions about the Canadian government shutting down trucker bank accounts during the protests of 2022 are frequently mentioned, especially among Republicans and conservatives. U.S. voters do not want to see similar political and financial discrimination emerge in America.

The potential for credit card companies to block usage based on political statements or purchase history adds a layer of anxiety. This is especially true considering how dependent modern society is on credit for daily expenses and emergency situations.

For those with precarious financial standings or who are living paycheck to paycheck, financial censorship could spell disaster. The power wielded by credit card companies—capable of determining a person’s financial solvency—fuels apprehension about corporate overreach and its implications on individual economic stability.

Regulation for Big Tech and Corporations

There are conversations about how to effectively implement regulation and accountability for credit card companies and other businesses. Voters call for greater transparency and oversight to prevent abuse of power.

There is also a vocal segment advocating for more stringent data regulations to ensure tracking and data collection are done ethically. Some want protective measures in place to prevent arbitrary withdrawal of services which customers cannot protest.

Most Americans are vocal about the need for stronger consumer protections. This includes calls for clearer guidelines on data usage and stricter penalties for companies that violate consumer trust. Different voter groups on both sides of the aisle discuss stricter regulations, although opinions about the method and degree of regulation differ.

Apprehension About Social Credit

Across the political spectrum, there is also considerable apprehension about a system that would evaluate personal behavior and use those evaluations to grant or restrict access to societal benefits or market participation.

This idea, often called a social credit score system, gets criticism as a dystopian measure that would bring unprecedented levels of government surveillance and control. Critics argue social credit would infringe on basic civil liberties like freedom of expression and privacy. They fear it would lead to an authoritarian state where compliance is coerced through the threat of social and economic penalties.

One of the main concerns Americans express is the potential for misuse and discrimination. There is a widespread belief that a social credit system would disproportionately affect marginalized groups, exacerbating existing prejudices.

Liberals tend to fear minorities and the underprivileged would face economic or racial discrimination. Those on the right tend to fear political discrimination and censorship of conservative beliefs.

The fear of constant monitoring and the subjective nature of what constitutes "good" or "bad" behavior exists for many groups and demographics. Depending on which groups a person identifies with, concerns emerge about outsiders setting social credit standards, leading to arbitrary and biased decision-making.

The idea that market participation could be contingent on adherence to specific behavioral norms is deeply unsettling for many Americans.