When people use technology to communicate anonymously, they can express themselves freely without fear of being judged or persecuted for their identities or beliefs.
When that same technology is used to expose closeted individuals who live under oppressive regimes, it raises difficult ethical dilemmas. This paper will explore these issues and suggest possible solutions.
The most common way to use this technology is through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc., which allow users to create profiles with pictures and personal information and then connect with others online. These sites are often used to organize political protests and share news about human rights violations, but they also provide a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be open about their identity and find support from other members of the community.
One example of how technology has exposed closeted individuals occurred during the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt in 2011. The governments monitored social media activity and arrested activists who posted pro-democracy messages online. They used software to identify people based on keywords such as 'freedom' or 'revolution.' Those who were outed could face severe consequences including imprisonment, torture, and even death.
Another example occurred during the Pride celebrations in Iran in 2016. The government blocked access to social media sites and created fake accounts on Instagram posing as gay men to lure unsuspecting users into meeting them at secret locations where they would be detained and subjected to interrogation. This led to several arrests and forced confessions on state TV.
In both cases, the governments used technology that was meant to promote freedom of expression and connection to expose individuals who were trying to remain hidden. It is an ethical dilemma because it raises questions about privacy, safety, and justice. Do we have a right to know who someone is if they don't want us to? Should we trust technology companies not to use our data against us? Is it fair to punish someone for being themselves when the law considers it a crime? These are all difficult questions with no easy answers.
There are ways to mitigate these risks by using encryption tools like Signal and WhatsApp, which encrypt communications so they can only be read by the intended recipient. Users can also set their profile pictures to something other than a selfie or personal picture, and limit the amount of information shared publicly. But these measures may not always work, especially if the government has access to user data from other sources.
The solution lies in political reform. As more countries adopt democratic principles and respect human rights, LGBTQ+ people will be able to live openly without fear of persecution. Until then, technology provides a way for closeted individuals to connect with others while still maintaining some level of secrecy. We must continue to push for change and demand that everyone deserves equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What ethical dilemmas arise when technology exposes closeted individuals in repressive states?
The question concerns closeted individuals living in repressive states who may be exposed by technology. Ethical dilemmas arise when these individuals are faced with potential exposure and the consequences that come with it, such as discrimination, loss of employment, social isolation, or even physical harm.