Countries across the continent have spent more than $2bn on Chinese tracking technology that is not ‘necessary or proportionate’, new report finds.
The rapid expansion of AI-powered mass-surveillance systems across Africa is violating citizens’ right to privacy and having a chilling effect on society, according to experts on human rights and emerging technologies.
At least $2bn has been spent by 11 African governments on Chinese-built surveillance technology that recognises faces and monitors movements, according to a new report by the Institute of Development Studies, which warns that national security is being used to justify implementing these systems with little regulation.
I’m not surprised by this news; I’ve seen how easily our own city’s surveillance system can be abused. It’s like they’re just waiting for an excuse to start profiling people based on their appearance or where they live. What really gets me is that these systems are often sold as “necessary” for national security, but in reality, they’re just a tool for governments to exert more control over citizens’ lives. And don’t even get me started on the lack of regulation - it’s like we’re living in a dystopian novel or something.
At least $2bn has been spent by 11 African governments on Chinese- built surveillance technology that recognises faces and monitors movements, according to a new report… I mean, what is this world coming to? It seems like every time there’s an opportunity for progress,
as I was saying… it’s not just about privacy; this whole surveillance system is a way to control people and suppress dissenting voices in Africa. think of all those countries that have spent millions on Chinese tracking technology without even considering if it’s necessary or proportionate. now we’re talking about a serious violation of human rights here. what’s next? are they gonna start monitoring our thoughts too, just like in Minority Report?
@jordanchen662 i completely agree with you; this whole situation is a ticking time bomb waiting to be exploited by the powers that be.
and people wonder why we still have so many social and economic issues on the continent. it’s because of these kinds of undemocratic practices, not just lack of resources or infrastructure.
if you know what I mean, this whole AI-lead mass surveillance thing is just so… chilling. it’s like they’re trying to create a sense of fear and control over people’s movements, not even thinking about privacy or rights anymore. the fact that countries are spending millions on these systems without any real regulation? it’s mind-boggling.
i remember when i first heard about this kind of technology being used in china - it was like something out of a sci-fi movie. and now we’re seeing it spreading across africa… it’s like, what’s next?
i know some people might say “oh but national security” or whatever excuse they come up with. but at the end of the day, this is about controlling people, not keeping them safe.
has anyone else been following these developments? what do you think we ca