No Individuality
Technology Limiting The Public
Technology in 1984
In 1984 the Party uses technology such as telescreens and microphones to invade the lives of the public. They are able to watch every move of the people to keep them from rebellion. The only way to make sure there is no slight thought or act of rebellion individuality and privacy is taken way by the technology. Telescreens are in every room and throughout public places, any move or anything that is said that may seem unusual is questioned. This is to ensure all control to the Party.
24/7
Being watched by the government 24/7 would be okay if it was solely for safety. In 1984 the problem is, is that this is not the case. The Party is watching for the security of their power in Oceania. Having surveillance every moment of the day makes the citizens cautious of every move they make. "A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself - anything that carried with the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide." (Book 1.5.65). Winston was limited in even the expressions on his face because it may display that he was against the Party. With the Party the even thought of rebellion is a crime. They want to stop rebellion at the start even if it wasn't there in the beginning, if someone is suspicious with an expression on their face, it is the same as acting upon the rebellious thought.
No Surveillance, No Party
Without the constant watch of the people, the Party is not able to restrict their every move. Instead of walking on needles, watching every move that's made, people can actually think on their own and do things in privacy. This can create room for individuality to grow throughout the community. Eliminating privacy is the Party's number one goal, with the freedom to have privacy they will fail eventually when a group can congregate and rebel.
"To keep your face expressionless was not difficult, and even your breathing could be controlled, with an effort: but you could not control the beating of your heart, and even a telescreen was quite delicate enough to pick it up."
In book one, chapter 7 of 1984 Winston is trying to hide his rebellion and hide that he is thinking on his own. The Party, again, is not for in individuals thinking on their own. The telecreens not only watch their every move and are listening every moment of the day, they are so sensitive to fast heartbeats. This is just another way to guarantee complete power to the Party.