Persecution Watch

Tag: before

  • Algorithmic Governance: How the GFW Predicts Protests Before They Happen.

    Algorithmic Governance: How the GFW Predicts Protests Before They Happen.






    Algorithmic Governance: How the GFW Predicts Protests Before They Happen

    Algorithmic Governance: How the Great Firewall Predicts Protests Before They Happen

    In a world where technology and social media are increasingly becoming central to everyday life, governments and organizations are turning to advanced algorithms for prediction and control. One such example is China’s Great Firewall (GFW), which has been notorious for its censorship and surveillance activities. Recent developments suggest that the GFW may now be capable of predicting protests before they occur.

    Predictive Capabilities

    “The Great Firewall is not just a censor, but also an intelligent system that predicts and shapes online discussions,” said Professor Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto.

    According to research conducted by the Citizen Lab, the GFW uses a combination of machine learning algorithms and human analysts to monitor and anticipate online discussions that could potentially lead to protests or social unrest. The system’s predictive capabilities are based on analyzing patterns of user behavior, sentiment analysis, and the identification of key influencers within online communities.

    Intervention Strategies

    “Once a potential protest is identified, the system can then implement various intervention strategies to suppress or divert public discussion,” explained Deibert. These strategies may include blocking access to specific websites or social media platforms, deleting sensitive content, and even manipulating search results to steer online conversations away from controversial topics.

    While the GFW’s predictive capabilities are alarming to some, it represents a new frontier in algorithmic governance – the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to control and shape public discourse. As technology continues to evolve, these systems will undoubtedly become more sophisticated, raising questions about privacy, freedom of speech, and the role of governments in regulating online activity.

    Implications for Democracy

    “The use of predictive algorithms to control information and shape public opinion is a threat to the very foundations of democracy,” said Professor Ethan Zuckerman, director of the Center for Information Technology Policy at Princeton University. He adds that “if we don’t address these issues now, we may find ourselves living in a world where our thoughts are shaped by algorithms designed to serve the interests of those in power.”

    As the debate over algorithmic governance continues to grow, it is crucial that policymakers and technologists alike work towards creating ethical guidelines for the development and use of these powerful tools. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and user privacy are essential components in preserving a free and open internet that fosters informed public discourse and upholds democratic values.


  • Social Execution – The Anatomy of Public Shaming

    Social Execution – The Anatomy of Public Shaming

    In the age of digital interconnectedness, public shaming has found a fertile soul to thrive. Gone are the days when public executions served as both entertainment and punishment. Today, social execution, as manifested through public shaming, has taken its place, serving a similar societal role while being perpetuated via new media.

    “Public shaming as a blood sport has to stop. It’s time for no more society-wide public executions.”

    – Jon Ronson, Author of So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed

    The Historical Context of Public Shaming

    Public humiliation as a form of punishment has a long and varied history. Instruments of shame like the stocks, pillory, and scarlet letter were employed to enforce social norms and deter deviant behavior. These tools of public penance have now evolved into hashtags, social media posts, and viral videos that can disseminate shame globally within seconds.

    The Mechanics of Modern Public Shaming

    Modern public shaming operates in several distinct yet overlapping phases:

    • Identification: The transgression is identified and usually brought to attention by someone on social media.
    • Amplification: The incident is shared, liked, and retweeted, spreading the story rapidly across multiple platforms.
    • Sanctioning: The online community acts as judge and jury, often calling for severe consequences, such as job loss or boycotts.
    • Judgment: Media outlets may pick up the story, thereby broadening the reach and impact.

    The reach and permanence of digital media mean that a person’s moment of indiscretion can haunt them long after the initial incident. Research indicates that the psychological impact of public shaming can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies.

    Why We Participate: The Psychology Behind Public Shaming

    Why do people participate in public shaming? Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including:

    • Social Norms: Being part of a collective that upholds certain values gives users a sense of belonging and righteousness.
    • Distance and Anonymity: The digital realm provides a barrier that reduces empathy, allowing people to act in ways they might not in face-to-face interactions.
    • Schadenfreude: For some, there is a certain pleasure in seeing others fall from grace, especially if they are seen as powerful or privileged.
    • Virtue Signaling: Publicly calling out others can be a way to showcase one’s own moral superiority.

    Jessica Bennett from the New York Times notes, “Before you say anything, check your own relationships to public humiliation and bullying. Are you posting that angry tweet for applause, or to make a genuine difference? Maybe think for a second before you hit ‘send.’“

    The Ethical Concerns of Public Shaming

    While holding individuals accountable for their actions is necessary, ethical concerns arise regarding the scale and impact of modern public shaming:

    • Presumption of Innocence: Online, individuals are often assumed guilty without a fair investigation.
    • Disproportionate Punishment: Losing one’s livelihood and reputation often doesn’t fit the gravity of the misstep.
    • Mob Mentality: The collective nature of online shaming can escalate and intensify punishment beyond reasonable limits.
    • Privacy Violations: Exposing personal information and photos can have long-lasting impacts on un-involved parties.

    Case Studies: Impact and Consequences

    Numerous high-profile cases highlight the severe consequences of public shaming:

    • Justine Sacco: Her infamous tweet before a long-haul flight led to worldwide condemnation and resulted in her losing her job before she even landed.
    • Monica Lewinsky: Perhaps one of the first victims of global-scale shaming, Lewinsky reinvented herself as an anti-bullying advocate and noted in a TED talk that public humiliation as a commodity has significant destructive potential.

    The Path Forward: Towards a More Compassionate Society

    The narrative surrounding social execution must change if society aims to balance accountability with compassion. Potential strategies for achieving this include:

    • Encouraging Empathy: Promote understanding and conversation over judgment.
    • Responsible Sharing: Advocate for a digital culture where individuals are encouraged to verify information and consider the implications of their actions before sharing.
    • Rehabilitation over Punishment: In cases where the accused acknowledges wrongdoing, focus on education and correction rather than isolation and punishment.
    • Structural Changes in Media: Responsible reporting by media outlets that consider long-term effects on individuals when covering stories.

    In summary, while public shaming certainly enforces social values, the collateral damage it inflicts on individuals and society far outweighs its benefits. As we become more interconnected, it is imperative to strive towards a culture of understanding and forgiveness, allowing for individuals to learn, grow, and reintegrate. As Ronson suggests in his work, we must look beyond mere punishment and work towards a more humane approach to transgressions.