The ability to access, use, and share digital resources and information without unjust limitations or monitoring is referred to as digital freedom. It includes our freedom of speech, access to information, and independence to move around the Internet unhindered.

However, internet freedom is now at a crossroads. AI deepfakes, political polarization, and misinformation threaten global access to accurate information. These worries are exacerbated by the emergence of generative AI and our growing skepticism of what we see and hear online.

For citizens to make wise decisions in these dynamic times, they need access to reliable information. However, state propaganda and censorship are becoming more prevalent to limit free speech and control narratives. Truth-seeking and resistance to manipulation are more crucial than ever.

In this turbulent era, virtual private networks, or VPNs, have evolved into gateways for uncensored information access. VPNs enable unrestricted access to news, global viewpoints, and officially verified facts by encrypting traffic and getting around location-based geo-blockers. 

This simple blog post delves into the importance of online privacy and digital freedom and the measures we can take to protect our rights in the digital age.

The Cloud of Naivety Continues To Grow Darker

The freedom you have on the Internet erodes due to censorship and misinformation. Authoritarian governments pass laws to stifle discord, control public information sources, and shape narratives.

Russia enacted legislation in September 2023 mandating the installation of deep packet inspection (DPI) systems by all ISPs. The government can monitor and censor Internet traffic thanks to DPI systems.

Privacy advocates have criticized the law, claiming that DPI systems can track users’ online activities and censor content without their knowledge.

The Ugandan government declared that it was necessary to shut down the internet during the commencement of the presidential elections in October 2023 to stop violence from spreading.

Similar circumstances exist in Australia. “Internet freedom in Australia has regressed,” according to Freedom on the Net 2021 report, primarily because the country adopted its own Online Safety Act. 

The law, enacted in June, establishes a set of “basic online safety expectations” that social media sites, internet service providers, and other online parties must follow.

For several days, Ugandans could not access information about the election due to the Internet outage. It also made it challenging for human rights organizations to monitor the situation and for journalists to cover the election.

State-sponsored disinformation campaigns create uncertainty, anxiety, and separation on a global scale. Disinformation is a well-known tactic used by Russia to bolster military aggression and sabotage democratic movements in surrounding nations.

The Dangers to Online Privacy and Digital Freedom

The digital era has broadened our perspectives but has also created obstacles to our online privacy and digital freedom.

Surveillance: Governments, businesses, and nefarious individuals can monitor our online activities. This raises concerns about invasions of privacy and possible misuse of personal information.

Data breaches: Notoriety-grabbing data breaches have made millions vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, underscoring the risk of storing personal information online.

Censorship: Online censorship is a tactic some governments and organizations use to restrict free speech and access to information.

Cybersecurity Risks: As cyberattacks become more frequent, there is a greater need than ever for digital solid security to protect personal and organizational data.

Read also: Cyber Threats Unveiled: A Deep Dive into the Shadows of Cybersecurity

How a VPN Can Enable Internet Freedom

By encrypting your web traffic and re-routing it through a remote server, VPNs enable you to get content and viewpoints from other nations while avoiding location-based restrictions.

You can unrestrictedly access content from other countries by hiding your IP address, mainly if you use “no-logs” software, which erases your digital footprint. 

Access to reliable news and information will be location-specific if you don’t have a VPN. An excellent example of using VPNs came to light during the general election of 2022 when the Turkish government disabled Twitter access. 

Additionally, they forbade users from using Wikipedia because they claimed it disseminated “disinformation” regarding the Turkish military. As a result, people started using VPNs to get around government-approved blocks and view unfiltered content.

VPNs offer several ways to safeguard the security of your information. First, businesses and governmental organizations use VPNs more frequently to protect sensitive data online. 

In addition to offering a safe channel for information exchange and storage, businesses can use local VPNs to give their staff members remote access to network resources. 

Read also: Top 10 Browsers With Built-in VPN For Full-proof Security

How to Safeguard Your Online Privacy and Digital Freedom

Let’s now examine doable actions you can take to protect your online privacy and freedom in the digital age:

1. Make Use of Strong Passwords

Creating solid and one-of-a-kind passwords for each account is an essential first step in safeguarding your online privacy. To safely store and create complicated passwords, use a combination of letters, special characters, and numbers. You should also think about using a password manager.

2. Protect Your Information

One effective method for protecting your data is encryption. When browsing the web, use encryption services like HTTPS. You should also think about encrypting your emails, messages, and saved files.

3. Exercise Caution While Using Personal Data

Restrict the amount of private information you post online, particularly on social media. Cybercriminals may try to steal your identity or target you using innocent details.

4. Employ a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN can help you with routing your internet traffic through secure servers and can help you remain anonymous when using the internet. It provides additional privacy by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.

5. Become Knowledgeable

Keep updated about cybersecurity best practices, privacy laws, and online threats. Protecting your online privacy requires knowing the risks and what to do.

6. Encourage Advocacy for Digital Rights

Participate in movements and organizations that support online privacy and digital rights. Take part in debates, affix your signature to petitions, and back legislative initiatives that safeguard internet freedom.

7. Turn on two-factor verification (2FA).

Your online accounts will be even more secure after you implement 2FA. This usually entails giving more information than just your password—for example, a temporary code texted to your smartphone.

Conclusion: Upholding Internet Freedom

We must understand the importance of online privacy and digital freedom as we navigate the digital age. Like in the real world, the online world has its threats. You can tone down the risks and reap the benefits of the digital world by proactively safeguarding our rights. 

Maintaining your online privacy and digital freedom in a world where the digital landscape is ever-changing is a matter of personal preference and a fundamental right that will help ensure a safer and more secure digital future. 

With the ease with which AI technology can fabricate stories, a common question these days is whether we should believe anything we read or see on social media or cable channels. 

VPNs are valuable tools in the face of political repression, even though they are not a cure-all for false information and AI deception. Thus, you can access fact-checked news without anyone else seeing it by encrypting your Internet traffic and redirecting it through a remote server.

By fostering collaboration, implementing responsible policies, and embracing technological advancements responsibly, we can navigate these crossroads and pave the way for a future where internet freedom remains a cornerstone of our interconnected world.

FAQs: Upholding Internet Freedom

How can we balance internet freedom with cybersecurity concerns?

Achieving this balance requires a comprehensive approach, including robust encryption, international cooperation on cybersecurity measures, and responsible legislation protecting individual rights and collective security.

Are there risks associated with unrestricted internet freedom?

Unchecked internet freedom can lead to misinformation, cybercrimes, and privacy breaches. Striking a balance involves implementing regulations and technologies that address these risks without compromising essential liberties.

How can governments contribute to upholding internet freedom?

Governments can play a core role by enacting transparent and fair legislation, fostering digital literacy, and collaborating with the private sector and civil society to create a framework that protects citizens while preserving internet openness.

What role does individual responsibility play in internet freedom?

Individuals can contribute by being vigilant information consumers, practicing good cyber hygiene, and supporting initiatives promoting digital rights. Responsible online behavior is essential for maintaining a healthy and open internet environment.