compared to a future where the tech they use to wield this sort of power is not allowed to exist. or even to status quo.

they tout UBI because it's one more way to control.

Eh, status quo is impossible once the cat is out of the bag.

It’s essentially nuclear weapons, except for social manipulation and propaganda production.

It’s too tempting/useful for any gov’t or large corporation to really allow to be banned. At least for them.