The maker of the iPhone wants to patent a sensor that would detect when people are using their phone cameras to do things like film concerts — and give corporations the power to shut them down.

Imagine what would happen if this tool fell into the hands of repressive regimes. Thousands of people across the Middle East have used cellphone cameras to document violent government abuses. This kind of technology would give tyrants the power to stop the flow of videos and track down protesters.

Earlier this year, researchers discovered that iPhones recorded our every move. This new camera blocking technology is another strike against free speech. If activated, every time we try to video something, someone, somewhere could decide to shut our videos off.

The book, 1984, was a couple of years off, but if we stand by and do nothing, it will be a reality.