The Fifth Dimension

Hakeem Anwar - The Digital Prison Is Already Here (And How to Escape It)

• Evan McDermod, Hakeem Anwar • Season 1 • Episode 323

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 1:10:51

Send us Fan Mail

323 - Is humanity entering an age of unprecedented technological innovation or unprecedented digital control?

In this episode of The Fifth Dimension, I sit down with Hakeem Anwar, technologist, digital sovereignty advocate, and creator of the Above Phone, to explore one of the most important conversations of our time.

We dive deep into the rise of technocracy, artificial intelligence, massive AI data centers, digital identity, surveillance, privacy, and what these accelerating technologies could mean for individual freedom over the coming decades. Rather than focusing solely on fear, we explore practical ways to reclaim personal agency and cultivate spiritual sovereignty in an increasingly connected world.

As AI reshapes society and convenience becomes more deeply woven into everyday life, what does it actually mean to remain free? How do we build a healthy relationship with technology without abandoning it altogether? And how can we preserve our humanity in an era increasingly defined by algorithms?

Whether you're interested in consciousness, technology, privacy, philosophy, or the future of civilization, this conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of where we're headed—and how each of us can navigate it with intention.

In this episode:

  •  AI and the future of human intelligence 
  •  Technocracy and centralized digital systems 
  •  AI data centers and digital infrastructure 
  •  Digital identity and personal freedom 
  •  Big Tech, behavioral engineering, and surveillance 
  •  Privacy in the age of artificial intelligence 
  •  Spiritual sovereignty in the digital age 
  •  Practical steps toward digital independence 
  •  The philosophy behind the Above Phone 
  •  Building a healthier relationship with technology 

About Hakeem Anwar

Hakeem Anwar is a technologist, entrepreneur, and advocate for digital sovereignty. He is the creator of the Above Phone, a privacy-focused smartphone designed to help people reduce digital dependence while reclaiming control over their data, attention, and relationship with technology. Through his work, Hakeem encourages individuals to live with greater intentionality in an increasingly connected world.

Are you ready for a phone that respects you? Enjoy private app stores, secure web browsing and communication, download videos to your phone, navigate with open-source maps, and so much more.

đŸ”¥ And best of all, there’s zero connections to big tech!

Shop Above Phone: https://abovephone.com/?above=287

Buy Me a Coffee

New Fifth Dimension Merchandise

Purchase Seasons of Becoming

Book a Tarot Reading

Apply for Iron & Ether Coaching

Order Custom Subliminal Affirmations

Connect with Evan:
Subscribe on Substack
Follow on Instagram
Follow on X

Support the show