INTERNET FREEDOM VS DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE: WHO CONTROLS YOUR DATA?

The internet has become a big part of our lives. Every day, we use it to work, study, shop, talk to friends, watch videos, and even pay bills. But while the internet gives us freedom to share ideas and access information, it also raises a big question: who controls our data? The fight between internet freedom and digital surveillance has become one of the most important debates of our time.

What is Internet Freedom?

Internet freedom means people can use the internet without restrictions or fear. It includes the right to:

Speak freely online

Share opinions on social media

Access any website or information

Keep personal data private

Use digital tools without unnecessary monitoring

Supporters of internet freedom believe the internet should be open and free, just like public libraries or parks. They say people should have the power to choose how much information they share, without governments or companies watching everything.

What is Digital Surveillance?

Digital surveillance means monitoring people’s online activities. It can be done by governments, companies, or even hackers. This includes:

Tracking which websites you visit

Collecting your personal details when you sign up for apps

Recording your phone calls or chats

Using cameras and facial recognition in public spaces

Saving your location from GPS and mobile data

Governments often say surveillance is needed for security reasons, like fighting terrorism or stopping cybercrime. Companies, on the other hand, use surveillance mainly to make money, by collecting data and showing targeted ads.

How Your Data is Collected

Most people don’t realize how much data they give away every day. Some common ways include:

Social Media – Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) store your likes, comments, and friends list.

Search Engines – Google records your search history to show ads and recommend products.

Smartphones – Apps track your location, contacts, and browsing habits.

Online Shopping – E-commerce sites know what you buy, how often, and what payment method you use.

Internet of Things (IoT) – Devices like smart speakers, fitness bands, and smart TVs also collect information about your lifestyle.

This data may seem harmless at first, but when combined, it paints a complete picture of your life.

The Case for Digital Surveillance

Supporters of digital surveillance argue it helps maintain law and order. Some of the benefits include:

National Security – Monitoring online activity can stop terror groups and criminals before they act.

Public Safety – CCTV and facial recognition can help catch criminals.

Cybercrime Control – Tracking online payments helps reduce fraud.

Emergency Response – Location data can help in disaster relief or finding missing persons.

For example, in many countries, digital surveillance helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments used phone data to track the spread of the virus and alert citizens who were at risk.

The Case for Internet Freedom

On the other side, digital rights activists warn that too much surveillance is dangerous. Some of their concerns are:

Loss of Privacy – People feel watched all the time, even in personal conversations.

Abuse of Power – Governments may use surveillance to silence critics, journalists, or opposition parties.

Corporate Exploitation – Companies may sell user data without consent, leading to misuse.

Chilling Effect – When people know they are being watched, they avoid speaking freely, which harms democracy.

A free internet gives people the power to express ideas, challenge authority, and innovate without fear. Countries that limit internet freedom often face protests and unrest, as citizens demand their right to speak.

Famous Examples

China – Known for its “Great Firewall,” China blocks many foreign websites and closely monitors online speech.

United States – Whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA was secretly collecting data on millions of people worldwide.

European Union – The EU has strict data protection laws (GDPR) that give citizens control over their information.

India – Internet shutdowns and monitoring of social media have raised debates on freedom vs security.

Finding the Balance

The challenge is to balance security and freedom. Too much freedom without rules may allow criminals to misuse the internet. Too much surveillance, however, creates a “Big Brother” society where people lose trust.

Some possible solutions are:

Stronger Privacy Laws – Governments should pass clear rules on how companies and agencies collect data.

Transparency – Citizens should know when and why their data is being collected.

Digital Literacy – People should be educated about online risks and how to protect themselves.

Independent Oversight – Special bodies should monitor surveillance programs to prevent abuse.

Personal Control – Users should have the right to delete, limit, or move their data whenever they want.