MS. AASTHA BEHL
Assistant Professor
Mankind has needed technology for a long time and comes as a surprise to no one. What might come as a shock, however, is the sheer extent of how intertwined technology has become with our existence in only the past few decades. From networking to government assistance, the digital realm plays a part in our daily lifestyles. However, dependence on anything does tend to have its dangers. What could be called ‘digital arrest’, is the moment a tool that has been created to elevate a user switch into a means of oppression. Such a condition not only curtails one’s freedom to express themselves but also has adverse effects on one’s social and professional life. Hence this is immensely discussed in several classes held in JIMS to foster students to understand the importance and significance of the same.
As the very name suggests, digital arrest refers to the restriction of one’s basic freedom in the online world. The process itself can be more formal, such as the silencing of a group via punishments or limitations, or less formal, with the simple restriction of access to an app or a service. Examples include account suspensions, content censorship, or surveillance-based interventions. Digital arrest differs from other forms of oppression in the sense that oppression is amply prevalent in society today, but it is the deception and lack of respect that comes with intimidation that makes it so alarming. At JIMS College, incorporating digital awareness into the curriculum holds paramount importance.
Strikingly, the online world today already bears witness to a plethora of accounts of digital arrest which is discussed in group discussions at JIMS. The simplest example would be, the ever so popular, social media, where people, particularly businesses or organizations, are muted through the banning and suspension of their accounts. Workers in the gig economy are frequently “deactivated” from services like ride-hailing apps and food delivery services without providing a thorough explanation or following the proper procedures. Even more concerning are digital restrictions enforced by the government. Dissident voices on social media face censorship or, worse, physical arrests in certain nations. Similar to this, financial institutions have the power to freeze bank accounts or digital wallets, trapping people in a world where cashless transactions are the norm.
Being digitally arrested has serious psychological repercussions in addition to being a technical inconvenience. It can feel like being cut off from the modern world when you lose access to a digital platform. For gig workers, it could mean an abrupt end to their income. Users of social media may lose their influence and voice as a result. A chilling effect is also produced when people self-censor their speech or refrain from voicing dissent out of fear of being watched or censored. This causes anxiety and mistrust by stifling freedom of expression, creativity, and innovation. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address the problem of digital arrest. First, there needs to be a lot of promotion of digital literacy. It is important for users to understand their rights, the terms of service they accept, and the information they divulge online. Second, governments and businesses need to set up fair and open procedures for resolving conflicts or limitations. Account bans and other algorithmic decisions ought to be auditable and appealable. Third, the emergence of blockchain-powered decentralized platforms provides a substitute for centralized systems that are vulnerable to abuse. Lastly, in order to prevent unfair targeting or punishment of people in the virtual world, legal frameworks must change to incorporate robust protections for digital rights. Teaching students of JIMS about ethical practices in the digital world, including intellectual property rights and respectful online communication, fosters a responsible digital citizenry.
The risk of digital arrest increases as the world continues its digital transformation. There is a serious risk of misuse in the digital ecosystem, whether it takes the form of platform limitations, censorship, or surveillance. Governments, businesses, and individuals must cooperate to guarantee accountability, transparency, and fairness in order to stop these virtual handcuffs from becoming the norm. In an increasingly digital future, it is our responsibility to uphold the promise that technology holds for empowerment rather than limitation.
