By: Andrej Vastl
We have entered an era where digitisation and artificial intelligence are becoming driving forces of social development. This technological transformation has numerous positive effects, but at the same time, it also opens the doors to new forms of surveillance and restrictions, which can be defined as “modern totalitarianism”. This concept does not directly refer to the classical totalitarianism of past centuries but rather to a new form of social control stemming from the power of digitisation, informatisation, and artificial intelligence.
In the past decades, we have witnessed an intense digital transformation that has fundamentally changed the way we live, work, and communicate. This transformation has interwoven into all aspects of our daily lives, from communication and commerce to education and healthcare. This has ushered in a new paradigm of faster information flow and better connectivity, which has also enabled the development of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is capable of processing vast amounts of data, learning from them, and undertaking tasks that were once reserved for human thinking; it has opened the doors to numerous innovations. However, amidst all the positive aspects of digital transformation, there are also risks that we must recognise and counteract.
One of the main challenges brought about by digital transformation is connected to the rise of modern totalitarianism. The classic concept of totalitarianism was characterised by state control over all aspects of society, suppression of political opponents, and restriction of freedom of expression. However, in a technology-driven world, a new form of totalitarianism has emerged, based on control, manipulation, and restriction through digital tools.
Mass data collection and surveillance
One of the key factors contributing to the risk of modern totalitarianism is the mass collection of personal data. The digital services we use every day track our movements, record our interactions, and gather personal information. This extensive collection of information enables authorities or other entities to create accurate profiles of individuals and monitor their activities. This leads to unwanted surveillance and privacy violations, which can have far-reaching consequences for citizens’ freedom.
Manipulation with information and algorithmic surveillance
Artificial intelligence largely operates through algorithms, and the development of AI has enabled the creation of algorithms that can filter and manipulate information. Algorithms on social media platforms, search engines, and other platforms shape our perception of reality by displaying content that aligns with our existing views and beliefs. This phenomenon is known as the “filter bubble”. Instead of being exposed to a diversity of information, we are bombarded with content that confirms our pre-existing positions. This can have long-term consequences for our understanding of the world and society. The so-called “filter bubble” can deepen polarisation and limit access to different perspectives, leading to reduced pluralism and diversity in society.
Limiting freedom of expression and autonomous decision-making systems
In the digital age, where information travels quickly and widely, there is a risk that authorities may restrict freedom of expression under the pretext of security or public order. An autonomous decision-making system based on algorithms can make decisions without human intervention. This can lead to incorrect measures and the curtailment of individual rights without accountability.
Protecting social values in the age of digital transformation
So how can we address the risks posed by modern totalitarianism in the context of digital transformation? It is important for the state to establish strong ethical guidelines and a regulatory framework governing the collection, use, and protection of personal data. Citizens should have the option to control their data and the right to transparency and information.
Furthermore, increasing digital literacy is crucial so that citizens understand how algorithms work, how information is manipulated, and how they can maintain privacy and security online. At the same time, responsibility, and transparency in the development of artificial intelligence must be promoted, ensuring that autonomous decision-making systems adhere to ethical standards, the rule of law, and human rights and freedoms.
Ensuring security and mitigating risks in the digital age requires a comprehensive approach that involves regulation, education, collaboration, and accountability of all stakeholders. The state plays a key role in shaping frameworks that enable technological progress to benefit society while respecting fundamental values and individual rights.
In the modern world marked by constant development of digital technologies, online platforms and applications are increasingly entwining themselves into our lives. They record our smallest steps, from purchases and clicks to web browsing. However, this collection of data that accumulates incessantly can prove to be a double-edged sword. Although technology brings many advantages, such as rapid communication and access to information, it also opens the door to the potential rise of modern totalitarianism.
There is a risk that the technology designed to increase connectivity and improve our lives can be exploited to shape a society reminiscent of totalitarianism. The data collected by social platforms allows authorities to uncover our habits, preferences, and opinions. With this information, governments or corporations can manipulate masses, shape public opinion, and influence our decisions. Through algorithm-driven information, we can enter information bubbles that distance us from reality and diversity, bringing us closer to a uniform way of thinking.
The rise of modern totalitarianism, based on information manipulation and the formation of uniformity, has the potential to deepen divisions within society. Information bubbles distance us from the opinions of those with different views, leading to profound ideological rifts. Understanding different opinions becomes difficult, while a sense of hostility among different groups increases.
To avoid the potential rise of modern totalitarianism, it is crucial to strengthen the security and protection of individuals and consequently society. Solid regulatory frameworks are necessary to limit the collection and use of personal data by companies, government bodies, or private agencies. It is important to ensure that algorithms shaping our digital environment are transparent, preventing the emergence of so-called “information bubbles”.
It is also very important to encourage and strive for a higher level of digital literacy among citizens. People should understand, at the very least, the basic concept of how algorithms work, how information bubbles are formed, and how they can recognise attempts at manipulation. Critical thinking is a crucial tool for identifying misleading information and maintaining diverse perspectives.
Preventing and controlling the potential rise of modern totalitarianism
With the rapidly advancing technological progress in today’s society, intertwining with all aspects of our daily lives, questions about protecting individual rights and privacy have arisen. Despite the numerous benefits brought by digital transformation, there is a potential threat of the rise of a modern form of totalitarianism, based on information control, manipulation, and restriction of freedom of expression. To prevent and establish control over any attempt at the rise of modern totalitarianism, it is crucial to implement legal frameworks, promote awareness, and change the approach to technology use.
It is necessary to establish sufficiently strict laws that clearly define how personal data can be collected, used, and shared, without compromising development and innovation.
Violators of the legislation should be penalised with financial fines and other sanctions to ensure compliance with adopted regulations both at the national and European levels.
It is essential to establish education programmes on digital literacy, enabling individuals to understand how algorithms work, recognise false information, and safely use online resources. The ability to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources is crucial for maintaining a free and diverse information environment.
Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society is crucial to establish guidelines and regulations that reflect diverse interests and values. The private sector should take responsibility for ethical and transparent technology use and commit to respecting individual rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia.
Developers of technology should operate according to ethical guidelines and ensure that technology serves the betterment of society rather than manipulation. It should be oriented towards development and progress, encouraging innovative ethical approaches. Involving ethical experts in the development process can prevent unwanted consequences of technological innovations and further advancements.
In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasise the necessity of preserving the fundamental values of democracy and human rights in the era of rapid digital transformation.
Technological progress has brought numerous innovations and possibilities, but we must not allow this development to be exploited to endanger the democratic nature of society.
Today, as we are deeply immersed in the digital age, we face the danger that the information collected by technology companies could be used to shape our beliefs, behaviours, and decisions. Algorithms operating based on this data create “filter bubbles” that confine us to informational bubbles where we only see what we already know and accept. This can have negative consequences for society as a whole.
When information bubbles become the norm, society can become divided into different groups living in their isolated worlds. Individuals are less exposed to diverse perspectives and arguments, and they retreat into their bubbles of entrenched beliefs. The result is a lack of understanding between groups, diminished ability for dialogue and cooperation, and deepened polarisation in societal debates.
However, there is a bright side to this story. Digital transformation brings opportunities to increase access to information, enhance citizen participation, and strengthen democratic processes. It is important to direct technological advancement for the benefit of society, to use it to improve the quality of life, access to education, and to foster collaboration among people.
To avoid the danger of the rise of modern totalitarianism in the digital age, it is crucial that we actively advocate for the protection of civil liberties. We need to establish clear legislative frameworks that limit the collection and use of personal data and ensure transparency and accountability in algorithm operations. Preventing information bubbles requires raising awareness among citizens about how technology operates, enabling them to recognise manipulation and actively avoid the pitfalls of uniformity.
Furthermore, we must not overlook the role of the international community in shaping global standards for safeguarding human rights in the digital era. Collaborative efforts among states, tech companies, and civil society are essential to create a sustainable environment where technology serves human progress rather than potential oppression.
The rise of modern totalitarianism in the era of digital transformation demands a thoughtful approach and proactive measures. To uphold democratic values and human rights and fundamental freedoms, we must strike a balance between technological advancement and the protection of societal fabric. In the future, we will have to face the challenges of technological development, but at the same time, we are called upon to shape a path forward that is grounded in freedom, diversity, and security for all citizens.