Jason Hong discusses how contemporary technology threatens the “secret” identities of classic superheroes [1].
OK, the idea that no one could tell that superman is also Clark Kent was silly. And the Batmobile is like, not exactly inconspicuous, let alone hard to track. Even with 1940s technology, these “secret” identities and “secret” lairs were not realistic. I mean, even 70 years ago, the FBI would have identified Wayne and located the Bat Cave in a matter of days if they needed to.
But today, bad guys and the authorities and, for that matter, any tech savvy teen, would easily be able to identify and track your favorite superhero in all their guises.
As Hong makes clear, the point isn’t that superhero stories aren’t technically realistic—they never were, and never were supposed to be—but that pretty much everyone is exposed to continuous surveillance. This isn’t news, but, as always, our fantasy stories can help us grasp the dangers and potential of our life.
This little piece does make me think about how superhero fantasies might respond to this challenge.
Some heroes are highly technical, of course. These folks will be imagined to be able to detect and evade everyday surveillance. The Psychedelic Toaster Man can fool image analysis systems. The Amazing Ms. Row Hammer knows everyone’s passwords and other secrets. Etc.
Other heroes have access to alternative dimensions and other fantasy science which presumably can evade surveillance. And, of course, there are many, many flavors of magical psychic powers that can cloud human minds and, why not?, mess with digital data in real time. And then there are aliens and deities with Clarke-ian technologies indistinguishable from magic.
But, at the very least, contemporary tech makes these fantastic powers work a lot harder. If you use contemporary technology—say a mobile phone—you either need to (a) build your own secure device and all the software on it, or you need to (b) evade and spoof the GPS and wireless tracking systems any time the device is turned on. These are, indeed, superhuman, tasks, and they are also a ton of work just to walk around unnoticed.
Of course, if you have psychic powers, you don’t need the internet or a phone. But you still need to evade ubiquitous cameras and AI video analysis. As you move through the night, you need to continuously disable, block, or spoof zillions of cameras in unknown locations. Again, that’s hard, and, at the very least, a ridiculous amount of work.
Now, Charles Stross has another take on the situation. In his strange world, some superheroes are recognized as official, government regulated identities. “Superman” is Clark Kent’s workplace identity while he works as an official government hero. The private lives of superheros are protected (or not) just as everyone else’s. They have alternative identities, but not “secret” identities.
(In case you wonder–the official heroes will hunt down and neutralize any unofficial superheroes.)
Anyway, this article is yet another reminder that we have a very serious challenge on our hands. How can we get control of our surveillance technology, when even our fantasy heroes probably can’t manage it?
- Jason Hong, Modern tech can’t shield your secret identity. Communications of the ACM, 65 (5):24–25, 2022. https://doi-org.proxy2.library.illinois.edu/10.1145/3524013
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