As the capabilities and presence of surveillance technologies grow, a pioneering satellite startup prompts us to question the balance between our privacy and safety.
Albedo Space, a company featured in The New York Times, is at the forefront of developing low-orbit satellites capable of detailed observation of individuals on Earth. The co-founders of the venture have stated that while their satellites will not have the capability for facial recognition, they will be powerful enough to capture images of people. This advancement marks a significant leap in the potential for satellite-supported surveillance, echoing concerns of privacy invasion reminiscent of the all-seeing Eye of Sauron. Notably, Albedo Space has secured multiple defence contracts in the US and has attracted over $100 million in funding, highlighting the serious interest and potential application of this technology.
Jennifer Lynch, the general counsel of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, expressed concern to The New York Times, stating, “This is a giant camera in the sky for any government to use at any time without our knowledge. We should definitely be worried.” Albedo’s founders have been addressing privacy worries for some time. In a 2021 interaction on Hacker News, Albedo’s CEO, Topher Haddad, acknowledged the potential risks, saying, “We are acutely aware of the privacy implications and potential for abuse/misuse.”
This stance was reiterated in the company’s communication with The New York Times in 2024, with Haddad affirming their acute awareness of the privacy implications. Albedo argues that the technology serves a noble purpose, such as aiding in disaster zone mapping and infrastructure monitoring, as well as in urban planning, defence, and intelligence. This perspective suggests a trade-off between utility and privacy.
Experts acknowledge the potential benefits of such satellites, but the privacy concerns remain significant. The possibility of misuse by authorities for purposes such as moral policing or suppressing protests adds to the alarm. Despite the potential advantages, the proliferation of surveillance technology is fraught with trade-offs. Albedo aims to launch its inaugural satellite in 2025, with ambitions to establish a fleet of over 20 satellites. The realization of Albedo’s project could force society to confront the true cost of surveillance technology.
Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell warned in The New York Times, “It’s taking us one step closer to a Big-Brother-is-watching kind of world,” highlighting the dystopian implications of such advancements in surveillance.
