This is something that Dan was onto since way back - now it's coming to a head. Hong Kong was/is a front-line. The virus has dramatically ratcheted up what was already surging.

In the long run i think computers will take over - i think that will be a good thing - they're smarter than us - they don't need to eat or take a shit. But now we're living in the interim period where humans still wield the incredible power of the robot - that's a dangerous situation.

On the cutting edge of this in terms of state control we have China. Along with the virus the intrusion of personal surveillance also went exponential - only difference is that when the virus is gone the haul of data remains - or as John Donne put it describing the growth in love for his mistress
As princes do in time of action get
New taxes, and remit them not in peace
No winter shall abate the spring’s increase

Importantly, the virus provided a reason for 'why we need personal surveillance' up our gazoos - it's to 'protect us' in a time of crisis. To save lives.

The 'Battle of Ideas' - it already was a data war - now it's next level.