From synths to surveillance: Benn Jordan’s pivot to cybersecurity nonprofit
Operating his channel as a nonprofit, Jordan has exposed flaws in Flock and Ring cameras while alleging data transmission issues with Unitree robot dogs.
Benn Jordan, a YouTuber and musician previously known for reviewing synthesizers and effects pedals under the channel name Benn and Gear, has significantly shifted the focus of his content towards cybersecurity and surveillance investigations. The transition, which began approximately five years ago, has seen Jordan gradually move away from music gear reviews to become a prominent voice in technology privacy, operating his channel as a nonprofit organisation.
In recent investigations, Jordan has highlighted security vulnerabilities in consumer technology, including exposing flaws in Flock camera systems and demonstrating how easily Ring cameras can be compromised. He has also alleged that Unitree robot dogs transmit data to servers in China, a claim he presented during a recent questionnaire with The Verge that outlined his current work in exposing the surveillance state.
Jordan’s approach to technology is defined by a strong preference for privacy and minimal data harvesting. In the same questionnaire, he identified the original Pebble Watch as his favourite gadget, citing its lack of tracking capabilities, long battery life, and simple functionality as key reasons for his preference. He contrasted this with the Amazon Echo Show (3rd gen), which he described as a device designed to spy on users, display advertisements, and upsell features.
The pivot to investigative journalism was notably shaped by a 2022 project where Jordan investigated a scammer posing as a Rolling Stone journalist. The story evolved into an exploration of West African oppression and Sakawa culture, a format Jordan now considers the structural foundation of his channel. While he still occasionally produces content related to music or audio, such as videos on poisoning AI music systems, his primary focus remains on science and technology investigations.
Jordan’s technical interests extend to fields such as spectrometry and interferometry, particularly regarding the use of invisible light waves to demodulate sounds. He also recommended browser-based tools like Strudel.cc for musical programming and advised investing in high-quality equipment, such as Sachtler tripods, over cheaper alternatives to ensure long-term value.
