The Dark Side of Tech

by: Nongcebo Buthelezi

We live in a world that's constantly changing and is increasingly connected. Technology has opened the door to incredible advancements, but it has also created new challenges for us when it comes to human rights.

Unfortunately, technology can be used to facilitate, enable, or even hasten violations of several fundamental human rights. Think of the threats posed by malicious cyberattacks and data harvesting. Or how surveillance technologies are being used against activists and journalists.

The good news is that we don't have to accept these situations as reality; we can take action to improve them. In this article, I'll explain why technology is posing an increasing threat to human rights and suggest some practical measures that you can take to counteract it.

How Technology Impacts Human Rights

We live in a technology-driven world where advances in the space have had a huge impact on human rights. From infringements on the right to privacy, such as government surveillance and data breaches, to the use of facial recognition technology to target and profile certain populations, technology has increasingly been used to fuel injustice.

The spread of information and ideas has also been limited through censorship and blacklisting, while advances in technology are being weaponized for military or repressive means by governments around the world. Digital inequality further widens the gap between those who have access to internet and digital technologies and those who don’t. As such, tech is increasingly playing an important role in how we think about, define and protect human rights.

The Dark Side of Social Media

Social media is a double-edged sword—it can be used to spread awareness and mobilize social action, but it can also be leveraged to manipulate and oppress. Unfortunately, the latter plays a much larger role in today’s world.

Stories of online trolls harassing people or governments using algorithms to target and marginalize certain groups are becoming increasingly common. Social media platforms, with their lack of regulation and oversight, often allow these violations of human rights go unchecked.

In addition, tech companies often have access to mountains of data on users that they can exploit for profit. Without giving people a say in how their data is used (or not adequately compensating them in exchange for it) is a blatant violation of the right to privacy.

Finally, tech companies are coming under fire for fostering an unequal distribution of resources. In the workforce, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and minorities are paid less than their white colleagues—all due to systemic biases that lead recruiters or hiring managers to favor certain groups over others.

There’s no denying the dark side of technology and how it threatens some of our most fundamental human rights. It’s up to us as consumers and citizens to stay informed about tech advancements so we can protect ourselves and push for policy changes that ensure our rights are respected online and off.

Technology and Data Privacy

It's easy to forget about data privacy in the modern world. It seems like everywhere you turn there’s someone collecting your data, watching your online activity and tracking your location. While it's nice that companies make products and services convenient for you, they are also collecting sensitive information which can lead to severe human rights violations.

Surveillance

Most emerging technologies have surveillance as a key component embedded into its design. For example, governments use mobile biometrics to track populations and monitor their actions without needing a warrant or cause for suspicion. The chilling effect of this means that people self-censor themselves and don’t speak up for fear of being tracked or punished for things like protests or speaking out against injustice.

Data Breaches

Data breaches are also a serious concern when it comes to technology violating human rights. When companies fail to secure the private data of their customers, it can put individuals at risk of having their personal data used without their knowledge or consent. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or even emotional trauma if someone’s confidential information is leaked to the public or used against them in any way.

Privacy-centric technology design is essential to combatting the dark side of tech and protecting human rights. It’s important that individuals are aware of the potential dangers posed by technology and take steps to protect themselves and others from potential abuses of power by those behind it.

Cyberbullying, Hate Speech, and Censorship

Cyberbullying, hate speech, and censorship are just some of the ways technology is negatively impacting human rights. While it’s easy to think of these as isolated incidents, they come as a direct result of technology being used in our day-to-day lives.

Cyberbullying

The prevalence of social media gives bullies a platform to target their victims from the safety and anonymity of the internet. Victims are harassed constantly—in pictures or comments—and the sense of helplessness can be unbearable. The rapid dissemination of such messages makes it difficult for victims to escape bullies’ watchful eye.

Hate Speech

Social media also amplifies hate speech by becoming an echo chamber for those who want to spread their beliefs—even if they’re rooted in hate and prejudice. This further normalizes hate speech, making it seem okay for people to post discriminatory messages online without considering any potential consequences.

Censorship

Finally, tech companies have been known to censor particular users or topics, creating an environment where certain viewpoints are not tolerated and can be shut down without warning. This can create an environment where people feel powerless and unable to express their thoughts on topics they care deeply about without fear of retribution.

To counteract this dark side of tech, companies must enforce strict guidelines when it comes to users' language on their platforms and work with authorities when necessary to identify who is spreading cyberbullying and other forms of hostility online. Ultimately, tech companies need to strive for an inclusive space that remains open without fear of censorship or discrimination, so that users can feel safe when engaging with each other online.

Defend Digital Rights Through Activism

Are you aware of the ways that tech can negatively affect human rights? Well, it sure has its dark side. For example, many tech companies use facial recognition technology to spy on their workers, which represents a violation of their right to privacy. There’s also the way that tech can could be used to discriminate against certain groups or people, like employers asking for personal data when screening job applicants.

With our digital worlds becoming increasingly intertwined with our real lives, it is important for us to stay vigilant and defend digital rights through activism. Here are some ways:

Educate yourself about the issues and stay up-to-date on recent news and developments in the tech world
Take part in online campaigns and initiatives that support digital rights
Support organizations that specifically focus on digital rights advocacy
Speak up against policies or products you believe are detrimental to human rights
Join protests or rallies that promote digital rights – just remember to practice social distancing if you decide to attend these events!
Spread awareness of the situation through your social media platforms

These are just some of many things we can do to actively fight back against any violations of human rights caused by technology in today's times. So don’t be a passive bystander—let’s work together to make sure our digital worlds remain safe and secure for everyone!

Leveraging Tech for Good

We know technology can create all sorts of negative consequences for human rights - but it can also be used for good.

When used correctly, tech can be leveraged to protect, uphold and promote human rights. Here are a few ways tech can be used in a positive way:

Uphold Government Accountability

Tech can be used to hold governments accountable, while promoting social justice, transparency and accountability. For example, with digital records and tracking systems, it's much easier to track whether governments are taking the necessary steps to ensure civil liberties are upheld.

Promote Access to Education

Around the world, technology has been leveraged to provide education to those who wouldn't have access otherwise. There are now online educational platforms and virtual schools that give students an opportunity for personal growth and development - even when there's a lack of resources in their local area.

Strengthen Disaster Relief Efforts

Tech makes it easier for organizations to respond quickly during natural disasters or crises. IoT devices collect data that helps responders understand what’s happening on the ground more accurately and respond more efficiently. Data collected by the device is analyzed using AI-powered apps which then serves as the basis for how relief efforts should be delivered based on specific emergencies or disasters.

When leveraging tech for good in this way, not only does it help promote human rights protection but also enables us to provide aid quickly and efficiently during times of crisis or natural disasters.

Conclusion

In summary, the rise of technology brings great promise, but with it a slew of risks to human rights. Although abuse of technology by governments, corporations, and individuals is still occurring, it's important to acknowledge that technology can also be a powerful tool to defend and protect human rights.

Through changes like stronger data privacy laws, tech literacy campaigns, and the implementation of digital rights advocacy, we can collectively work to protect and bolster the digital rights of all people. The future of the digital world is in our hands - and it's up to us to ensure that technology works for human rights, not against them.