There is an old human problem behind recognition.
Scripture describes the oppressed person who suffers and remains silent: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7
Silence does not mean that no harm is being done. Ecclesiastes looks at the tears of the oppressed and observes that power remains on the side of their oppressors, while there is no one to comfort them. — Ecclesiastes 4:1
The answer given in Proverbs is therefore to give voice where there is none: “Open your mouth for the mute.” It immediately connects that voice with judgment: “judge righteously” and defend those who cannot defend themselves. — Proverbs 31:8–9
Isaiah completes the sequence: “seek justice, correct oppression.” — Isaiah 1:17
These passages do not state, in a single sentence, that harm continues until it is recognized. Taken together, however, they describe the underlying human sequence: suffering can exist without being expressed; oppression can continue while power remains with the oppressor; giving voice makes judgment possible; and recognition of oppression makes action against it possible.
Until harm is recognized as harm, it may continue unchecked. Recognition is the beginning of restraint.
Human Flag applies this human problem to a specific technological condition. A person may surrender, ask for violence to stop, or cease to be a lawful target. But if that change cannot be expressed, perceived and recognized in time, it cannot affect what happens next.