This connection between the movie and real-world digital surveillance raises important questions about security. In the movie, the game developers and corporations behind the game have near-total control over the digital environment, just like how large tech companies hold enormous power in the real world. This is parallel to the modern internet landscape, where users' actions are constantly monitored, and personal data is harvested for targeted ads, predictive algorithms, and in some cases, even for political or social manipulation.
In Free Guy, Millie’s ability to bypass game security highlights how vulnerable these digital environments can be. Though Millie has some inside knowledge, her infiltration of restricted game areas demonstrates that if someone with the right tools or knowledge can manipulate the system, the game's data, especially other players’ personal information, could be at risk. This is just like concerns in the real world where data breaches and security flaws expose sensitive user information, sometimes on a massive scale. Poor security protocols in online platforms allow hackers, cybercriminals, and even insiders to exploit weaknesses and access personal data, leading to serious consequences for individual privacy.
The film suggests that, just as in real life, individuals are not fully aware of the extent to which they are being watched and manipulated in digital spaces. Guy’s lack of awareness as an NPC mirrors the way real-world users interact with digital platforms, unaware of the data trails they leave behind and the extensive profiling that happens in the background. Just as Guy eventually gains awareness and fights back against his creators, real-world users and governments are increasingly pushing for stronger regulations and controls to protect individuals from invasive data practices and security vulnerabilities.