Digital slavery is an increasingly significant concept in contemporary debates on technology ethics, privacy, and human rights.
It refers to the notion that people may become subject to a form of control or exploitation through digital means. This control or exploitation is frequently linked to personal data, and the power of corporations, governments, and malevolent actors to collect, store, analyse, and manipulate this data.
In the digital era, every individual action we undertake online leaves a data footprint. These footprints formulate our digital identities. They encompass our personal details, behavioural patterns, predilections, network of contacts, health records, financial transactions, and much more.
These digital identities can, in essence, portray an exhaustive picture of who we are, how we live, and what we believe in.
The centralisation of this data presents a substantial risk. The collection and analysis of data permit these entities to possess a deep understanding and influence over our behaviour. They can forecast our actions, manipulate our decisions, and even alter our perceptions. This sort of power can be weaponised and used to control populations, leading to a form of digital slavery.
Digital ID systems will aggravate these risks.
Digital slavery will mean the termination of personal autonomy.
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