Digital surveillance has created somewhat of a dilemma for those that just want their voice heard and has perverted public assembly along the way. As mentioned

Digital surveillance has created somewhat of a dilemma for those that just want their voice heard and has perverted public assembly along the way. As mentioned, when the topic of assembly is Okay, its fine and dandy, but if its only OK (ex. Pot rally) or deemed non-PC, the facial ID exploits, IMEI catchers and LPR's ensure a detailed record of attendees (more than in generations past) which is more than the "I got the t-shirt" souvenir most expect. Data brokers (public, private,government) have weaponized the first amendment in many ways and it has been acknowledged in Hong Kong by the obfuscation needed for peaceful assembly. Its better to offer surrogates and dark money in a system like that, which goes against the principles of democracy, but it is what it is. Its the same way outside of America too: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/this-student-attended-a-protest-at-an-australian-uni-days-later-chinese-officials-visited-his-family-20190807-p52eqb.html https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/this-student-attende... https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/german-student-jakob-lindenthal-iit-madras-1631479-2019-12-25 https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/german-student-jakob-l...