Tech Policy in 2026: Experts Predict Rise of Automated Surveillance

As 2026 unfolds,technology experts are forecasting a significant shift in tech policy,with a growing concern over the increasing automation of surveillance infrastructure.Petra molnar, a Faculty Associate, and other leading voices in the field anticipate a move toward more integrated and pervasive data collection systems.

Molnar predicts that the focus will not necessarily be on the emergence of entirely new surveillance technologies – such as robotic dogs,iris-scanning devices,or border vigilante applications – but rather on the consolidation of existing tools.These tools are expected to become interconnected within a continuous, data-driven pipeline, drawing data from sources like social media, biometric data, and automated triage systems.

This trend suggests a potential “authoritarian turn” in tech policy, where the ability to monitor and analyze citizen data is significantly enhanced. The integration of these technologies raises critical questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for misuse of information.

Experts emphasize the need for careful consideration of the ethical and societal implications of these developments. Ongoing discussion and proactive policy measures will be crucial to mitigating the risks associated with increasingly sophisticated surveillance capabilities.

Further Reading: Just Security