5 votes

Digital authoritarianism and the threat to global democracy

3 comments

  1. Litmus2336
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    We tell stories of the Cold War being won by radio and music and superior American media, to the point where the idea of mass media as a source of freedom is ingrained in our culture....

    We tell stories of the Cold War being won by radio and music and superior American media, to the point where the idea of mass media as a source of freedom is ingrained in our culture. Unfortunately, these are national myths. I think we need to recognize that media is not inherently freeing, and when used maliciously by authoritarians (as it is right now) it actually is the enemy of freedom.

    5 votes
  2. Dogyote
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    Another question, how effective are these technologies? Are they really good at what they're supposed to do, or are they ineffective or easily defeated? Also, how does reporting on the programs...

    Another question, how effective are these technologies? Are they really good at what they're supposed to do, or are they ineffective or easily defeated?

    Also, how does reporting on the programs affect the citizenry? From what I understand, when Snowden leaked his information, the tools for mass spying weren't really accomplishing anything. However, the act of telling the population that the government has the ability to record everything likely makes people think twice before considering taking a questionable action. Is that the real goal, just get everyone to think that the government is omnipotent and omnipresent?

    2 votes
  3. Dogyote
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    So let's imagine that things go bad, and the government needs to be corrected in not-so-subtle ways. What can be done? I don't think discarding technology and relying on in-person meetings would...

    So let's imagine that things go bad, and the government needs to be corrected in not-so-subtle ways. What can be done? I don't think discarding technology and relying on in-person meetings would be enough to effectively organize. Maybe drone couriers? But then they could just see who is buying drones/drone parts. Anyone have any ideas?

    1 vote