The age of digital authoritarianism: How digital central bank currencies and social monitoring systems threaten freedom
The age of digital authoritarianism: How digital central bank currencies and social monitoring systems threaten freedom
The age of digital authoritarianism is getting closer, and with it new questions arise about the potential effects and consequences of this development. A current fear is that digital central bank currencies (CBDCs) could become an instrument for digital authoritarianism.
The term "digital authoritarianism" describes a system based on a new transaction model that includes both economic and social areas. This model is characterized by extensive state control and thus represents a potential danger to privacy and individual freedoms.
In order to understand the phenomenon of digital authoritarianism, the three main components must be considered that drive this development: digital central bank currencies, social surveillance systems and the trend towards cashless society.
digital central bank currencies, also known as CBDCs, are state -supported digital currencies that are published by central banks and represent a digital form of conventional national currencies. Although they offer some advantages, such as increased efficiency and transparency, there are concerns about the possible loss of privacy and the centralized control of financial transactions by governments.
At the same time, the spread of social surveillance systems increases, which further increases the range of digital authoritarianism. In countries like China, advanced technologies such as face recognition and artificial intelligence are used to pursue and monitor citizens. These systems collect extensive personal data, including employment data, online activities and individual movements. Based on this data, a "social loan" is awarded that rewarded conformity and punishes deviating behavior.
The trend towards a cashless society additionally increases digital authoritarianism. Mobile payment technologies and digital wallets have established themselves primarily in China, where even beggars use QR codes to receive donations. If cash loses importance, people who have no access to digital means of payment can face significant challenges in everyday life. In addition, payment systems with facial recognition provide concerns about privacy.
china has already exported its model of digital authoritarianism to countries such as Iran, Cuba and Venezuela. The United Nations and International Organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also support the introduction of digital identification and comprehensive CBDC platforms worldwide. The possible worldwide distribution of digital authoritarianism gives rise to concern about interference in bourgeois freedoms and possible abuse of power.
The introduction of fintechs, mobile wallets and digital currencies offers comfort and efficiency, but the risks associated with digital authoritarianism outweigh the advantages. By centralizing control over money and transactions, governments have the opportunity to manipulate and monitor citizens. This control can be abused and leads to people being robbed due to supposed threats or objections to their monetary basics, which in turn makes it difficult to access vital goods and services.
The effects of digital authoritarianism go beyond financial aspects. The threat of not having access to money can create fear and lead to self -censorship. The cooperation of state-influencing social media platforms and technology giants can further increase the monitoring and enforcement of information. Weaker parts of society could be forced to give up their rights in exchange for fundamental financial support.
Overall, the rise of digital authoritarianism has a significant impact on privacy, individual freedom and bourgeois rights. It is of great importance that society is critical of these developments and ensures the protection of bourgeois freedom in an increasingly networked world.