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How has technology influenced the practice of censorship and surveillance, and what are the long-term implications for human rights and civil liberties?

Makenna Tomkinson

and fluidez.

The rise of technology has had a significant impact on the practice of censorship and surveillance, today privacy has become a very sensitive issue, and governments have used technology to monitor their citizens, whether it be email content, online activities, or phone calls. This monitoring has been done either through legislation or through the development of sophisticated software systems to intercept communication. The use of technology in surveillance has also brought about instances of censorship. In many countries, governments and other groups monitor online activity to suppress dissent and restrict free speech by limiting the use of social media, news platforms and other internet-based communication channels.

One of the primary implications of these practices is that they can violate human rights and freedoms, preventing individuals from expressing themselves freely and communicating online without fear of retribution. The long-term implications of such practices are that they can lead to the legitimization of the monitoring of citizens under the pretext of security and protectionism.

Besides, technology has played a prominent role in data collection. With the proliferation of internet-connected devices, data collection has been standardized. Individuals' data is being harvested by companies such as Facebook and Google for corporate gain, and often users' privacy is compromised without their consent. While this practice is sometimes motivated by commercial interests, it has led to a culture of surveillance, where data is shared indiscriminately by technology companies and governments.

Furthermore, the increased use of technology has amplified censorship across societies in the digital realm. Social networks and other internet-based platforms are being censored regularly in authoritarian societies. This is leading to the suppression of political expression and poses a longstanding threat to the fundamental right to free speech, which is a central pillar of democracy.

In conclusion, the impact of technology on society has been substantial, from the increased digitization of communication to the emergence of social media, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The increased use of surveillance technologies by governments, combined with the ever-increasing collection of data, is a critical issue, and one where our civil liberties are at stake. It is essential that government leaders, policymakers, and the public remain vigilant and ensure that digital technology is not used to trample on fundamental individual human rights and freedoms.