In the last twenty years, authoritarianism has progressively increased.At the same time, there has been swift advancement and extensive dissemination of digital technology. Numerous scholars have linked these trends, and suggest that the emergence of digital technologies acted as a catalyst for authoritarianism. Experts commonly denote this phenomenon as digital authoritarianism.

To put it simply, digital authoritarianism is when authoritarian governments use cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence , surveillance systems, and data monitoring tools, to stifle dissent, govern political opposition, and restrict fundamental human rights, notably the freedoms of expression and privacy. In this light, technology becomes an instrument of state power, permitting new levels of surveillance and control over citizens’ digital activities. According to a report by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Governments utilizing digital authoritarianism leverage capabilities such as:  facial recognition, internet filtering, and data mining to follow, monitor, and manipulate public behavior, typically under the pretense of national security or public order.  To further illustrate the global scope of this issue, a second report written by the same think-tank also finds that 75 out of 176 countries are employing AI-powered surveillance tools, revealing the widespread adoption of such practices.

This phenomena goes beyond traditional means of authoritarian control, as technology allows for the continuous and real-time surveillance of entire populations, with the potential to locate and isolate people or groups who resist or criticize the regime. Although the full extent of this is rarely documented and often unknown by the general public, studies by the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg suggest that 44% of the world’s population lives in countries where online freedom of expression is actively suppressed. In this climate, governments blatantly strip citizens of their autonomy and their basic human rights. In countries where digital authoritarianism is prevalent, individuals may face severe consequences for engaging in online activities deemed subversive, such as accessing forbidden content, participating in protests, or simply expressing dissenting opinions.  

 As authoritarian regimes continue to adopt more sophisticated technologies, the global community must confront the growing dangers posed by digital repression. Ensuring the protection of digital rights, such as freedom of speech, privacy, and access to information, is essential to safeguarding human dignity and maintaining the possibility of political resistance in the digital age. This extends beyond singular communities and minorities but also the future of democracy itself.