In a year marked by significant shifts in the digital realm, 2023 has emerged as a watershed moment for online freedom and cybersecurity. A detailed report from Surfshark’s Research Hub offers an insightful exploration into these changes, shedding light on the multifaceted landscape of digital governance and user privacy.
The report meticulously dissects the GDPR-related challenges big tech companies face, delves into the global repercussions of internet shutdowns, and critically analyses government requests to Google. The data protection hurdles in autocratic regimes are particularly concerning, painting a complex picture of the current digital freedom status.
Agneska Sablovskaja, Lead Researcher at Surfshark, emphasizes the urgency of these issues. “In the face of evolving challenges, such as Meta’s Threads and the controversial ‘Pay or Okay’ policy, there’s a pressing need to rethink our digital strategies. Our research in 2023 underscores this necessity, advocating for an ethical digital environment that upholds privacy as a fundamental right,” she asserts.
The report highlights potential infringements on user data privacy, with the AI giant ChatGPT drawing scrutiny over its data collection practices. The apprehensions surrounding its safety protocols led to Italy’s temporary ban on ChatGPT and the formation of dedicated task forces by the European Data Protection Board and the US Department of Homeland Security. Concerns were raised about OpenAI’s possible use of personal data without explicit consent and the lack of adequate age verification mechanisms for minors.
Meta, another tech behemoth, faced allegations of GDPR violations with its Threads platform. The platform’s collection of sensitive information without a clear legal basis and the possible internal sharing within the Meta group sparked debates on user data control and protection. Applying the “Pay or Okay” model in the European Union further intensified these discussions, calling into question the legality and ethics of such practices.
Surfshark’s research also presents an intriguing contrast in the digital governance landscape. Democracies are seemingly ahead in data safety initiatives, while autocratic nations lag due to the lack of robust data protection laws. Hungary emerges as an exception, benefiting from its EU membership and adherence to GDPR standards. This disparity highlights the crucial role of legislative frameworks in shaping digital freedom.
A startling revelation from the report is the extent of internet shutdowns globally. In the first half of 2023 alone, these shutdowns affected an estimated 4.2 billion individuals, with countries like China and the UAE exemplifying this trend. This alarming figure underscores the pervasive impact of such restrictions on global digital access.
Moreover, the study delves into the escalating trend of government requests for content removal from Google. The findings reveal a dramatic global increase, with 91,000 requests made in 2022 – a thirteenfold increase from 2013. Russia leads this statistic with 215,000 requests, dwarfing other nations significantly, while South Korea’s requests are comparatively minimal.
In conclusion, Surfshark’s 2023 research provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and complexities of digital freedom. As we navigate these turbulent waters, it becomes increasingly clear that maintaining a balance between technological advancement and ethical digital practices is desirable but imperative for the future of our digital world.
Written by: Supapporm Pholrach (Joom)
