Bahrain’s government has increasingly weaponized digital technology to suppress dissent and maintain its authoritarian control. Through pervasive surveillance, online censorship, and targeted monitoring, authorities stifle freedom of expression and political mobilization, particularly targeting women activists. Reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and Citizen Lab reveal that Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group, has been deployed against women human rights defenders, exposing a troubling pattern of gendered digital repression.

Pegasus spyware infiltrates mobile devices, granting access to calls, messages, contacts, and even microphones. Activists targeted by this spyware face profound violations of privacy and heightened risks to their safety. For instance, Bahraini human rights activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh reportedly experienced harassment after her phone was infected with Pegasus, allowing authorities to monitor her private communications and isolate her from support networks. Such surveillance deepens systemic challenges, exposing women to social ostracization, legal threats, and reputational harm in conservative societies. In this particular case, Ebtisam Al-Saegh  was wrongfully charged with terrorism under “using human rights work as a cover to communicate and cooperate with Al Karama Foundation to provide them with information and fake news about the situation in Bahrain to undermine its status abroad” after speaking out about the atrocities committed against her and other Bharani women. 

Such instances highlight the risk of surveillance and its harmful effects, potentially discouraging women and other activists from engaging in political advocacy or organizing protests. This hyper-surveillance fosters distrust within activist networks, eroding the solidarity necessary for effective collective action. Women often bear additional societal pressures, as breaches of their private data can lead to severe public shaming, perpetuating cultural norms that suppress their participation in public and political life.

The psychological impact of constant monitoring is equally as unkind. Activists perceive a persistent sense of unease and loss of autonomy, as the fear of penalties prevents them from freely expressing themselves or engaging in open discourse. Women, in particular, face unique challenges due to their central roles in family communication networks. Surveillance not only compromises their activism but also endangers their loved ones, forcing many to withdraw from advocacy efforts to shield their families from harm.

In this respect, Bahrain’s surveillance regime exemplifies how technology is wielded to deepen existing gender inequalities and silence marginalized voices. For women activists, the digital repression compounds societal constraints, isolating them from their communities and restricting their ability to participate in movements for justice and equality.

Countering such abuses requires robust international pressure and grassroots resilience. ADHRB Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain call  on the Bahraini government to end its digital authoritarian practices and uphold its human rights obligations. This includes amending vague cybercrime laws that criminalize dissent, releasing individuals imprisoned for expressing their opinions, and ensuring the protection of privacy and freedom of expression for all citizens. As digital tools evolve, safeguarding civil liberties, especially for vulnerable groups, must remain a priority in the fight against authoritarianism.