Exploring the Intersection of Digital Privacy and Democracy: Perspectives from Leading Experts

The rapid advancement of technology is posing new challenges to digital privacy, which in turn affects democracy and its advocates. From AI tools enabling mass data collection to the spread of surveillance technologies, the risks to privacy are increasing. Experts in the field have highlighted the impact of these developments on democratic values and practices.

Adrian Shahbaz from Freedom House emphasized how AI tools are being used by governments to control populations and suppress dissent. The use of facial recognition technology in monitoring and targeting individuals has raised concerns about discrimination and human rights violations. Shahbaz stressed the importance of digital privacy in upholding democratic values such as freedom, autonomy, and human dignity.

Andrej Petrovski from SHARE Foundation discussed how the uncontrolled uptake of digital tools threatens civic space and human rights, especially in fragile democracies. The use of personal data for political advertising and state surveillance poses risks to democratic activists and compromises their work and safety. Petrovski called for more robust regulation of digital surveillance tools to prevent democratic backsliding.

Lindsay Gorman from the German Marshall Fund highlighted the foundational connection between privacy and free societies. Privacy is essential for human dignity and self-determination, protecting individuals from state control and fostering free expression. Gorman emphasized the need for privacy-preserving AI techniques to balance innovation with privacy protection.

Thobekile Matimbe from Paradigm Initiative discussed how digital surveillance by states threatens the work of human rights defenders and journalists. The arbitrary seizure of personal devices and illicit data access pose risks to activists and compromise electoral integrity. Matimbe emphasized the importance of digital privacy protections to ensure free expression and access to information.

Elizabeth Donkervoort from the China Strategic Risks Institute underscored the complex nature of privacy regulation in the context of emerging technologies. The business model of tech companies, focused on data collection and analysis, conflicts with the safety needs of human rights defenders. Donkervoort called for diverse stakeholders to develop laws and policies that enable privacy and recognize the networked nature of information sharing.

Overall, the experts highlighted the critical role of digital privacy in safeguarding democratic values and protecting the work of activists and journalists. As technology continues to advance, it is essential to address the challenges posed by digital surveillance and data collection to ensure the preservation of democracy and human rights.