Cyber surveillance refers to the collection of data from digital sources such as emails, online messages, social media posts, phone calls, internet searches, and electronic transactions. It has become an essential tool for governments and corporations to monitor citizens' activities, track their movements, and gather intelligence about potential threats. Authoritarian control refers to the strict regulation of society, often through repressive laws, censorship, and punishment. Both cyber surveillance and authoritarian control have been used extensively against queer people, who are often targets due to their nonconforming identities and behaviors. This has resulted in the development of strategies for resistance that emphasize privacy, secrecy, and subversion. In this essay, I will explore how cyber surveillance and authoritarian control shape these strategies for queer resistance.
Cyber surveillance has had a significant impact on queer communities, particularly those living in countries where homosexuality is illegal or stigmatized. Governments and law enforcement agencies use cyber surveillance tools like malware, keyloggers, and geolocation tracking to identify LGBTQ+ individuals and target them for arrest or harassment.
In Uganda, the government uses cell phone data to locate gay men and women for arrest and imprisonment under its "Kill the Gays" bill. This creates a climate of fear, self-censorship, and paranoia within the community, making it difficult for queer people to organize and connect with one another safely.
Authoritarian control also affects queer resistance in several ways. In countries like Iran, Russia, and Hungary, anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies restrict public expressions of sexuality and identity. Queer activists must navigate these restrictions while still advocating for change, leading some to turn to more private forms of resistance like online campaigns, digital petitions, and social media activism.
Even these tactics can be challenged by government censorship and manipulation of information.
Russian trolls have used fake accounts and bots to flood social media feeds with pro-Kremlin propaganda, undermining efforts to raise awareness about discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
Despite these challenges, queer activists continue to find creative ways to resist authoritarian control and cyber surveillance. Some strategies focus on privacy and encryption, such as using secure messaging apps and encrypted email services to communicate and share resources. Others emphasize subversion, creating satirical memes or viral videos that challenge dominant narratives and expose hypocrisy among politicians and religious leaders. Still, others use physical resistance tactics like protests, graffiti, and street art to make their voices heard despite attempts to silence them. Despite these efforts, there is no single "right" strategy for queer resistance - each situation requires its unique approach based on available tools, resources, and risks.
How do cyber-surveillance and authoritarian control shape strategies for queer resistance?
Cyber-surveillance refers to the monitoring of individuals' online activities through digital technologies such as social media platforms, mobile phones, and email accounts. This surveillance can take various forms, including collecting personal data, tracking movements, and intercepting communication. In recent years, the prevalence of cyber-surveillance has increased due to advancements in technology and the growing need for governments and companies to monitor their citizens and customers.