The massive problem is the disconnect between the people who run our society (mainly PPE graduates) and the people who make tech.
You cannot critique technology, or our response to, it if you do not understand it. When I hear people with zero knowledge of exponential curves, r numbers and k numbers pontificate about doing their own 'risk assessments', I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
IMO, most of this thread is 'tin hat' stuff. I don't think that there is a Machiavellian plot to control people through tech or to unnecessarily restrict people's freedom. Most of our leaders are far too stupid and lazy to be working towards some hidden goal. These days, they are mostly just looking towards how much money they can make when they leave politics.
However, there is a trade off between 'connectedness', which most people seem extremely keen on and privacy which, for many people, is far less important. Most people find the prospect of being chipped abhorrent but willingly carry a device around with them that will give away their location and, increasingly, what they have bought and where. And the sneaky increase of CCTV cameras is very useful to catch criminals but, again, means that we cannot drive (or even walk) anywhere without a recording of us being made.
There is a very worthwhile debate on where we are going with technology and what we are willing to give up in return for increasing wealth and convenience. However, to be a meaningful part of the debate, you have to have some knowledge of both ethics and tech, something few do, as most arts graduates have a low opinion of the STEM subjects and vice versa.