The National Surveillance State doesn't want anyone to be able to communicate without the authorities being able to monitor that communication.

Barry Eisler’s quote reflects his concern about the rise of the National Surveillance State, where governments and authorities have the capability and desire to monitor every form of communication. He suggests that the state's goal is to eliminate any opportunity for individuals to communicate freely and privately without being subject to surveillance. This implies a loss of privacy, where the government can potentially access personal conversations, ideas, and movements, undermining the concept of freedom of speech and individual autonomy.

The origin of this quote is tied to Eisler's background as a novelist and former CIA officer, where themes of privacy, government surveillance, and personal freedom often appear in his work. Eisler has written extensively on issues related to civil liberties and the balance between national security and individual rights. His statement reflects his broader concerns about the expanding reach of government surveillance programs and their potential impact on personal freedoms, particularly in the context of the digital age.

Eisler’s comment also touches on the growing role of technology in both enabling and controlling communication. With the advent of digital communications, including email, social media, and instant messaging, governments have developed advanced tools to monitor and intercept private conversations. Eisler implies that the National Surveillance State seeks to ensure that no communication happens outside of its monitoring systems, making privacy a rare commodity rather than a right.

Ultimately, Eisler’s quote highlights the tension between national security and individual privacy in an era where surveillance technologies are increasingly sophisticated. His concern is that unchecked surveillance undermines the fundamental rights of individuals to communicate freely without fear of being watched or monitored. The quote invites reflection on how the balance of power between citizens and the state is shifting in the digital age.