The Red Bird Saw It All 2014: An Introduction to Surveillance and Retribution

The Red Bird Saw It All 2014: An Introduction to Surveillance and Retribution

In January 2014, the game "Angry Birds," a favorite around the world, was exposed for the reality that lurked behind its innocent appearance. It was reported that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and British intelligence agencies were secretly collecting people's location, gender, friendships, and even ideology through a smartphone app.

The source of the information was in-app advertising. While we were absorbed in the game, the eyes of the NSA were peering into, recording, and categorizing our daily lives. A silent surveillance network lurking behind the smiling faces. It was certainly in operation every day.

Two days after the news report, on January 29. The official website of "Angry Birds" was defaced by someone, and the chilling words "Spying Birds" floated across the screen. Behind the attack was the "Syrian Electronic Army," which supports the Assad regime in Syria.

This blow was not just a prank. It was the shot of an invisible war of information and ideas.
The red bird was not angry. It was just watching everything. And its gaze was fixed on the hearts of those who watched and those who resisted.