Meaning that when the Cryptocracy reveals their own diabolical actions in broad daylight (especially when it is so soon after the deed and there are no real consequences), the more the shackles are tightened.

It surprised me when, a few years ago, I saw a book selling in an airport bookstore which openly spoke of the USA's deliberate inaction re:Pearl Harbor and the Japanese.  Such revelations (known as facts for some time, but not openly discussed in popular or semi-popular media) ought to elicit a strong reaction - but they do not.  When the the deed is followed soon after by the revelation, and there is no reaction, it shows the people are zombies.  The closer the event and the revelation of the deliberate deception (if it draws no response), the tighter the grip is shown to be (and it grows tighter still by the fresh revelation itself).