Part 4/11:
In the digital age, anonymity is almost impossible. From birth, individuals leave digital footprints—birth records, social security numbers, and financial transactions—all stored in government databases. To truly disappear, one would need to avoid all these records from day one. This could mean being born in total privacy, raised without schooling or documentation, and avoiding any interaction with institutions that keep records.
But even then, living completely off-grid is challenging. Acquiring land requires government approval, and every transaction involves records. Moving to a remote location like an old mine shaft or backcountry wilderness doesn't guarantee concealment—satellite imagery and surveillance technology today can pinpoint even the most isolated spots.