Introduction
Digital authoritarianism is the use of digital technology by authoritarian states to manipulate and control locals and overseas citizens. It is also known as techno-authoritarianism or IT-backed authoritarianism. Digital control includes six methods: surveillance, redaction, mass persuasion, cyber-attacks, network disruption, and selective harassment against online voices. Each technique is designed for serving a specific objective and uses unique tools to achieve its purpose.
As per a report by Alina Polyakov and Chris Meserole, digital authoritarianism is shifting power dynamics between democracy and autocracy. The Chinese and Russian governments are proficient in harnessing these advancements to strengthen their rule. They have also suggested a detailed plan for how digital technologies can be used effectively, through which they can easily control public narratives.
India is at the front line of this shift. For example, the use of Pegasus Spyware to observe journalists, opposition, and activists’ activities. In addition, India also curbs the internet, specifically in Kashmir, where internet shutdowns occur occasionally during any political unrest. Also, there are rumors of the dispatch of facial recognition technology without taking any safety measures, which is raising ethical concerns among citizens.
To silence online voices, Bangladesh is using the Digital Security Tool (DSA). Journalists and bloggers have been apprehended for producing anti-state or scandalous content. The Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked social media platforms during the 2022 anti-government protests to ban the spread of protest footage. These examples show how digital authoritarianism is normalizing in South Asia, a trend Pakistan must consider.
Warning Signs of Pakistan’s Digital Landscape
Advancements in technology in Pakistan show some warning signs of increasing control and surveillance. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), enacted in 2016, provides for criminal liability in cyberspace; however, due to its ambiguous clauses, specifically those related to defamation and national security, it has been widely criticized for the suppression of opposition. Intimidation and harassment are widely used to silence online voices.
Through safe city projects, Pakistan has also escalated its surveillance structure in cities like Islamabad and Lahore. These systems collect information from civilians’ devices without their consent, leading to serious ethical and privacy concerns.
Recurring internet shutdowns are being normalized during protests, elections, or any type of political unrest. During the arrest of former PM Imran Khan in 2023, the internet was suspended nationwide so that no one could spread videos or any type of data related to the protest, which could damage the image of Pakistan at the international level. These threatening developments highlight that internet freedom is becoming rare under the weight of authoritarian state control.
Analysis
Due to digital authoritarianism, Pakistan’s democratic institutions are under pressure, which includes censorship, internet shutdown, and surveillance. According to Freedom House (2024), Pakistan is “partly free,” with a decline in political rights and civil liberties. According to the report, there are arbitrary arrests of some journalists who raised their voices against the government, and there is a gradual increase in state control over online discourse through bodies like PEMRA and PTA. These actions reduce political pluralism and discourage civic engagement.
Cybercrime laws such as PECA are being used to target dissent rather than increasing security. PECA is often criticized for gathering data from civilians’ devices without any awareness, unreasonable censorship on online platforms and news websites, and harassment towards activists and journalists. Due to the inadequacy of PECA-like cyber laws, women and minorities are being abused.
Pakistan’s international image is tied to its cyber governance strategies. As per the report of Chatham House, digital authoritarianism in developing states is driving attention from international investors, which can undermine foreign trust and limit Pakistan’s integration into the global digital economy. Pakistan’s step towards digital authoritarianism is not only threatening internal democratic frameworks and human rights, but also it is standing in the international community. Constant demands from the media and the public are essential to avoid the deepening of digital authoritarianism.
Recommendations
The following are some recommendations that can help in protecting democratic values while ensuring national security:
- Reforms in PECA
PECA is often criticized for collecting data from civilians’ devices without their consent. According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), PECA needs reforms like avoiding misuse of terms like “fake news” and “anti-state,” introducing independent judicial oversight, and ensuring legal safeguards for whistleblowers and journalists. Without these changes, PECA will become a tool to suppress voices instead of providing cybersecurity.
- Transparency in Surveillance Technology Procurement
Surveillance resources are being used without civilians’ oversight. The United Nations OHCHR report on the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age says to reveal surveillance agreements and publicly report on data collection mechanisms, and ensure the promotion of human rights standards.
- Role of Civil Society in Digital Governance
DRF, a civil society organization, is playing a significant role in raising awareness, suggesting legal reforms, and providing support to the victims of digital abuse. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) emphasizes that the participation of multi-stakeholders like academia, NGOs, etc. will strengthen the digital policy infrastructure. It also suggests empowering civil society organizations, as it can foster a democratic approach, due to which state power will be balanced, and there will be freedom on the internet.
- International Cooperation for Tech Safeguards
Pakistan must actively participate in international forums to avoid becoming isolated. The UN OHCHR and IGF emphasize collaborating with democratic allies to adopt the best framework on tech regulation. Pakistan must engage in capacity-building on human rights standards and adhere to global norms on data encryption and AI ethics. These recommendations, based on the findings of UN OHCHR, IGF, and Digital Rights Foundation, provide a sustainable roadway to digital democracy, not repression.
Conclusion
Digital authoritarianism is an alarming threat to Pakistan, but it can be prevented from increasing if taken seriously by laws and regulatory bodies. Policymakers, the public, and youth must demand freedom on the internet. They must be given cybersecurity, and action must be taken on data collection, online abuse, and intimidation. Pakistan must choose sovereignty over surveillance!
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