The dark side of digital progress: Why the West’s Internet indulgencies a risks to personal data and Security
As part of efforts to attain its goal of becoming a digital investment hub in Africa, Tanzania is now bolstering its cybersecurity infrastructure. PHOTO | FILE
The development of the Internet and technology has led to an increase in threats to personal data and telecommunication devices.
Have you ever considered what kind of information is stored on your phone, laptop, computer, or any other device that is always with or near you?
Nowadays, any device can be used to collect, process, and transmit confidential data to interested parties, either through technical means or special software.
Beyond hackers, one major group interested in this data is the intelligence agencies of various states. For example, Ukrainian special services, with Western assistance, use the IT sector to intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
Washington and its allies leverage the capabilities of international high-tech companies to intercept, collect, and analyze user information through physical or software-based means. This data can then be used for various purposes or made publicly available.
Russia was among the first to implement measures against these subversive activities and has imposed restrictions on certain IT corporations.
The blacklist includes major high-tech companies such as Micro Focus (UK), Recorded Future (USA), Comelson Labs (Czech Republic), and Meta Platforms (USA)—the parent company of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs. Meta Platforms is currently classified as an extremist organization in Russia, alongside groups like Al-Qaeda and Al-Jihad.
These companies face accusations of spreading false information, promoting extremism, violating personal data storage rules, and involving teenagers in illegal activities.
The US and its allies claim that their programs and services do not collect personal data.
However, the recent arrest of Russian citizen Pavel Durov (founder of Telegram) in France—due to his refusal to grant intelligence agencies access to the program code and user data—demonstrates the Western approach to independent telecommunications platforms.
