The other side of digital development: A tool for data harvesting?
The internet has become an integral part of our lives, rapidly growing and transforming how we work, communicate, and socialise. Internet-supported mobile applications have made everyday tasks more convenient, connecting people across the globe and fostering relationships, often with individuals they have never met in person.
These apps offer immense benefits, streamlining activities and enhancing social networking, but beneath these advantages lies a hidden danger—data harvesting.
As the demand for social apps rises, tech companies and app developers are profiting from the surge in users. However, these platforms also harvest vast amounts of personal data, including users’ interests, behaviors, political views, and purchasing habits. This data is often used to create targeted campaigns and products, raising concerns about privacy and exploitation.
More troubling is the fact that some governments, particularly in developed nations such as the West, use these platforms to gather intelligence and influence global affairs. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others have become powerful tools for intelligence gathering, propaganda, and even misinformation. While some argue that social media can serve as a legitimate source of intelligence, there is evidence to suggest it can also be manipulated to serve covert operations and political agendas.
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This growing trend has raised alarm about the security features of popular apps like WhatsApp, Twitter (now X), Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook. Experts warn that these platforms may be exploited by powerful nations to monitor their rivals and influence citizens’ behavior through targeted campaigns and propaganda.
In response, some countries have restricted or banned certain apps to protect their citizens from potential data breaches and espionage. For instance, China has blocked access to Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp, while Russia has imposed restrictions on several tech companies, such as Micro Focus (UK), Recorded Future (USA), Comelson Labs (Czech Republic), and Meta Platforms (USA) allegedly accused of violating data privacy and promoting extremism activities of groups such as Al-Qaeda and Al-Jihad.
In the modern digital landscape, data security is more important than ever. The proliferation of devices capable of collecting personal data without users’ consent has increased privacy threats. Intelligence agencies worldwide, with the help of advanced technology, are actively involved in data harvesting, often using this information for political, military, or economic gains.
Recently, Russian citizen Pavel Durov (founder of Telegram) was arrested in France with allegations of using his platform to spread fake news and promoting extremism. However, Russia believes that he was arrested due to his refusal to grant intelligence agencies access to the programme code and user data.
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As data harvesting continues to pose significant risks, robust data security measures are essential to protect individuals and organisations from cyberattacks, insider threats, and unauthorised access. Properly implemented, these strategies can safeguard digital information, ensuring that personal and organizational data remain secure in an increasingly interconnected world.
Sadly, many African nations do not have restrictions on these apps, leaving their citizens to fall victim to the content of the alleged propaganda, misinformation and data exploitation by these tech companies.