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As the world’s largest democracy, India is poised to conduct its forthcoming elections, a mammoth event that will engage over 900 million voters in a democratic process. This pulsating dance of democracy will captures global attention, setting the stage for some discussion on digital authoritarianism—a challenge not confined to any single nation but prevalent across the globe. Digital technologies, that are changing our daily lives, are also being used by the Governments to strengthen their hold on power and threaten the core principles of democracy. Digital tools are being used to manipulate people’s behaviour, disrupt fair electoral processes, compromise judicial independence, and infringe upon freedom of expression and association.
Interestingly, a common rulebook is emerging on how the governments deploy digital technologies to strengthen their grip on power. Here are some digital strategies, adopted by the Governments, that damage public trust in democratic systems:
Intensified Data Aggregation
Digital identity systems establish centralized databases containing citizens’ personal information, granting governments unparalleled access to extensive individual-level data aggregation. Government issued Identity Cards can be used to track individuals’ interactions with various public and private services. These IDs are often integrated with other databases like tax records, health care, financial transaction, voting registries etc allowing for more extensive data collection and citizen profiling.
With advanced analytics and growing computing capabilities, governments can dissect data to understand individual behaviours, shape voter opinions, and possibly tilt the outcome of elections.
Power of Information Control
Regarding data sovereignty, governments assert overarching control and legal jurisdiction over information on key global platforms such as Google, WhatsApp, X and YouTube which are essential for everyday communication and the spread of information.
Cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies grant governments the ability to scout the internet for dissenting or adverse narratives. This capability simplifies the process of online censorship or blocking and filtering content, leading to a state of internet that reflects government narratives only. Freedom House reports that Governments’ forced removal of content, blocking websites, internet blackouts, ban on VPNs continue to proliferate across the globe.
Gen-AI and Misinformation
Generative AI (Gen-AI) eases content creation, which ironically also facilitates the propagation of fake news and misinformation. Deepfakes have emerged an another emerging threat to democracy. Easy content creation and targeted messaging aimed at specific voter profiles can trap voters in a cycle of self-affirming information. This restricts the diversity of viewpoints necessary for sound democratic deliberation. Moreover, the automated news curation by algorithms may have ingrained biases that drives specific agenda and creates a homogenized thought landscape.
AI-Enhanced Surveillance
Persistent government surveillance, justified as necessary for national security, poses a risk to civil liberties and suppresses dissent. The incidents of planting of spyware into personal devices are becoming alarming. Facial recognition technology violates the breach of privacy, covertly tracking people. Its pervasive use may deter individuals from democratic engagement like protests, due to concerns over state retaliation.
The non-consensual collection of biometric data presents ethical issues, especially when opting out isn’t feasible. Misusing this data can lead to extensive surveillance and systemic biases, threatening the foundations of a fair and democratic society.
Democracy 2.0 in the Digital Age
Democracy symbolises a major advancement in human development by enabling empowerment on a global scale. However, a decline in democratic governance is emerging, with nearly 70% of world’s population, today, living under autocratic regimes as reported by V-Dem.
Conventional democratic systems, across the globe, are undoubtedly facing a crisis. Reports call out the democratic erosion of USA, through election manipulation and executive overreach. In nations such as Iran, Myanmar, and the Philippines, forceful employment of technological power by governments has been observed with authorities obstructing WhatsApp and Instagram, censoring government-critical content in the internet, launching cyberattacks and employing cyber trolls to intimidate dissenters.
In the face of rising digital authoritarianism, it is imperative that we recalibrate our approach to democracy for the digital age. We stand at a the crucial juncture where serious deliberations are taking place at the intersection of technology, AI and humanity. To ensure that technology reinforces democracy, we need multifaceted strategy that includes stringent data privacy laws, transparent AI algorithms, and a genuine effort from global tech giants to ensure the ethical and responsible use of technology. A solid regulatory framework around the use of technology & AI Is the need of the hour. It is not enough to be passive observers. Governments, corporates, and individuals must collaborate to erect digital guardrails that safeguard democratic values. Our resolve to reinvent and protect the sanctity of democracy will determine the legacy we leave for future generations.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint