Data, Dependency, and Digital Danger: A Wake-Up Call for Autonomy

While it might initially seem inconvenient that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google, Google Maps, WhatsApp—even the Chrome browser—are banned in China, there may be a deeper rationale behind this seemingly restrictive policy. With time and insight, one begins to realize that China may have proactively shielded itself from a far greater threat long before it became obvious to others.

A recent news report sent chills down the spine: Israel is now reportedly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to target and eliminate Palestinians. The gravity of this revelation becomes clearer to those who work closely with AI. At the heart of AI lies one of its most potent elements—data. The more data an AI system has access to, the more powerful and effective it becomes. And disturbingly, people around the world are handing over their personal data for free—unknowingly contributing to a machine that may one day act against them.

“You use Google Maps, and Google tracks your location,” the writer points out.
“Facebook asks for your contact list so it can completely map out your social network.”
“Even your saved contacts like ‘Ma’, ‘Baba’, or ‘Boro Vai’ help the system determine your closest relationships.”
“Your browser, like Chrome, remembers your passwords, email, and browsing history—literally holding your entire digital life in its grip.”
“And those seemingly harmless family pictures you post? Each one is a data point.”

In times of conflict, such data can become your greatest vulnerability.

So, what’s the way out?
The writer offers a dual-layered solution. “The short answer is to stop sharing personal data online. The broader, long-term solution is to develop our own alternatives—just as China has done.” Without building sovereign platforms, true digital freedom remains a distant dream. In the writer’s words, “If we don’t create our own platforms like China, we are not free—just modern slaves! Before standing up against those who hold all your data, ask yourself: where does your real power lie?”

Note: The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of Digital Bangla Media. In alignment with our editorial policy to uphold the diversity of perspectives, this article has been published without any modifications. Any reaction or discontent in response is considered a matter of individual interpretation.