This is a chilling and very effective episode, largely due to the effects of technology (cookies and blocking) on civil liberties.
The cookie concept is intriguing for its use as a personal assistant (a super Siri). At least in this mode the user gives consent for their memories and personality to be used. One flaw in the logic of the story occurs here, as the cookie version is unaware that they are to be used for this purpose. If the real person consented to creating the cookie, then the cookie, having all the memories of the real person, would be aware of this.
When the cookie is used to extract a confession, then this would violate the principles of illegal search and protection from self incrimination. Torturing the cookie could also represent cruel and unusual punishment, although I question whether the cookie itself is a person and eligible for constitutional rights.
The blocking technology is also quite interesting. Again there may be a flaw in the logic of the story. If offspring are automatically blocked when a spouse is blocked, then the child should not have been blocked, not being Potter's offspring.
When blocking was employed on a universal basis against Matt, this was a surprise and not what he bargained for in exchange for his services. It also appeared to be imposed administratively, without counsel, and without a right to a trial. This sentence is cruel and unusual punishment, tantamount to the death penalty. For an example of a similar punishment, see "To See The Invisible Man" in the Twilight Zone's 1980's reboot.
The cookie concept is intriguing for its use as a personal assistant (a super Siri). At least in this mode the user gives consent for their memories and personality to be used. One flaw in the logic of the story occurs here, as the cookie version is unaware that they are to be used for this purpose. If the real person consented to creating the cookie, then the cookie, having all the memories of the real person, would be aware of this.
When the cookie is used to extract a confession, then this would violate the principles of illegal search and protection from self incrimination. Torturing the cookie could also represent cruel and unusual punishment, although I question whether the cookie itself is a person and eligible for constitutional rights.
The blocking technology is also quite interesting. Again there may be a flaw in the logic of the story. If offspring are automatically blocked when a spouse is blocked, then the child should not have been blocked, not being Potter's offspring.
When blocking was employed on a universal basis against Matt, this was a surprise and not what he bargained for in exchange for his services. It also appeared to be imposed administratively, without counsel, and without a right to a trial. This sentence is cruel and unusual punishment, tantamount to the death penalty. For an example of a similar punishment, see "To See The Invisible Man" in the Twilight Zone's 1980's reboot.