The Gray Area with Sean Illing Digital dictatorship
Jun 10, 2021
Steven Feldstein, author of "The Rise of Digital Repression" and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, dives into how authoritarian regimes manipulate digital technology to suppress dissent. He explores the dark side of the internet, discussing surveillance, censorship, and the risks of democratic backsliding in countries like India and the Philippines. Feldstein highlights the paradox of digital literacy amid rampant misinformation, as well as strategies citizens can employ to reclaim agency against disinformation. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology and power.
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Digital Repression Amplified
- Digital repression leverages technology to control information and suppress dissent.
- While information control tactics existed previously, digital tools amplify their impact due to the scale and pervasiveness of online platforms.
Duterte's Disinformation Machine
- Philippines President Duterte utilizes disinformation to manipulate public opinion and silence critics.
- This includes online harassment combined with legal persecution, creating a potent mix of digital and traditional repression.
China's Digital Control
- China excels at digital repression by controlling its digital environment.
- It invests in platforms that allow surveillance and censorship while simultaneously promoting its own narratives.
