A Question of Momentum – Critical Reflections on Individual Options for Surveillance Resistance

With the increased visibility of global surveillance systems (such as PRISM) to the public, there have been growing calls for more resistance against surveillance. This article critically engages with the options for resistance suggested by Gary T. Marx (2009), focusing on those that affect the social and material circumstances of individuals, and ignoring the symbolic ones. Through this, the role of technological momentum in global surveillance systems, and the high cost of resistance for individuals are highlighted. I argue that because of the technological momentum and cost of resistance, many options for resistance are problematic for individuals.