Government surveillance is a common practice that is often used to monitor its citizens' activities for various reasons, including security concerns.
It has been revealed that some governments have been using this practice to target specific groups, such as queer individuals. This paper will explain how these governments have been exploiting digital surveillance against queer populations under the guise of morality.
The first way in which government surveillance has been used against queer people is through the collection of personal data without their knowledge or consent. Governments have employed various means to access sensitive data from queer individuals, including phone calls, emails, social media posts, and even dating apps.
The Chinese government has been using facial recognition technology to identify LGBTQ+ individuals at bars and public places where they are known to congregate. The data collected is then used to blackmail them into silence or extortion.
Another way that governments have been exploiting digital surveillance against queer populations is through the creation of fake online profiles to lure them into sharing personal information. These profiles are usually created on dating apps, chat rooms, and other social media platforms designed for queer individuals. Once the person falls for the trap and shares private information with the profile, it is passed on to the authorities who use it to arrest or harass them.
In addition to collecting personal data, governments have also been using digital surveillance to spy on queer communities' activities by monitoring their meetings and gatherings.
In Uganda, a law was enacted that requires all organizations dealing with sexual minorities to register with the government. The police then monitor these organizations' communications to identify potential threats to national security.
Governments have been using surveillance to track down and prosecute queer individuals involved in consensual sex acts. In countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria, homosexuality is illegal, and the government uses digital surveillance to identify and punish those engaging in such acts. This includes tracking down gay couples through their phone calls, emails, and even social media posts.
Governments have been using digital surveillance to create moral panic around queer people's behavior by spreading false narratives about them. They have painted queer individuals as deviant and dangerous, creating fear among the general public and justifying the need for increased surveillance.
Governments have been exploiting digital surveillance against queer populations under the guise of morality. They have used various means to access sensitive data, lure them into sharing personal information, monitor their activities, and even prosecute them for consensual sex acts.
This practice has had detrimental effects on queer individuals' mental health and safety. Governments should refrain from using surveillance to target specific groups based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How do governments exploit digital surveillance against queer populations under moral pretenses?
Governments often justify their intrusive practices of monitoring queer individuals by appealing to moral and ethical values that are deeply rooted in religious beliefs or cultural norms. They claim that they need to protect national security, public safety, and family values from the influence of what is deemed as "immoral" behaviors such as same-sex relationships, cross-dressing, and nonconformity with gender roles.