Jack Smith texted his group using encrypted messaging.


    Contextual ads, based on his messages, appeared while he browsed and watched the news.


    At the group’s next in-person meeting, Jack grabbed their devices and shut them off.


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    They all learned to sign out of fear of audio recordings and to avoid leaving a paper trail.


    ————


    One year earlier, Jack visited an ophthalmologist and underwent LASIK surgery.


    The doctor later spoke on the phone, “I expect full payment. Correct. Optical transmission. I just don’t understand how ...” The doctor nodded. “Oh, I see. Clever. Yes. Yes. They’ll likely resort to sign language.”