There was a popular sci-fi series of maybe 10 years ago (can't remember the name). But basically it prophesized that nothing could be hidden for long. Electronics are watching everything everywhere. Other sci-fi pop culture have said the same.

In 2000, I wrote an article on this trend:

http://www.tiereddemocraticgovernance.org/blog_details.php?blog_cat_id=18&id=8

I'm not sure what the role of governance should be, but our current systems are incapable of dealing with this increased intrusion in a wise way.

A friend of mine did some genealogy of his family tree, which took him to England. His great-grandfather used to be a horse thief in English. The law was closing in on him. So he hopped a ship to Canada. No passport required. Good old days.

As far your low Medium views and $$$, I would say Medium is not putting your stuff (and mine) on many feeds. Or maybe readership is way down. I've seen a 2/3 drop in my activity since October 1. Other writers are complaining.