Oh I'm very much aware. It dawned on me about a decade or so ago that there is an almost certain and inevitability in technological growth at a certain juncture leading straight into authoritative dystopias.

On the flipside, I think there is a potential point of development where such measures can no longer contain and restrict the members of a population entirely. Or more to the point, such control can only be maintained upon members of a population that remain within reasonable range of centralized powers. (Tldr, FTL + independent long distance colonization possibilities = Some degree of breathing room because of basic logistical practicalities. Assuming FTL can be done at all. Guess sleeper ships are still an option but...)