Privacy and Authenticity

Ibn Maghrebi

“The age of surveillance capitalism is a titanic struggle between capital and each one of us. It is a direct intervention into free will, an assault on human autonomy.” It is the capture of our intimate personal details, even of our faces. “They have no right to my face, to take it when I walk down the street.”,

From Shoshana Zuboff: ‘Surveillance capitalism is an assault on human autonomy’ | Society books | The Guardian at 31-03-2023

The Threat to Privacy and Religious Freedom

As Muslims navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the encroachment of technology into our lives has raised concerns regarding privacy and the erosion of religious freedom. Although few recognize it, I believe we are living in another challenging time akin to the aftermath of 9/11 where draconian legislation was bundled through under the threat of inter-civilizational war that scarred a generation. Part of the fall-out has been the emergence of hyper-liberalised version of Islamic political activism in diaspora communities that was born out of an anxiety to allay the fears of Western publics. In doing so under the guise of 'dawah', 'picking the lesser of two evils' we have created a generation that has openly embraced heresy under the guise of communal welfare. The Qaradawian consensus of political participation in Western pseudo-democracies has produced only greater difficulties and quandries. However, it is important to understand that the consensus emerged in the aftermath of 9/11 and with legislative policies that sought to demonize and marginalise an entire religion.

The legacy of the Patriot Act, coupled with the impending Restrict Bill, exemplifies the gradual legislative takeover by Big Tech, which poses a serious threat to religious freedom for Muslims. These laws grant governments and corporations significant power to access personal information and communications, undermining the privacy of individuals and communities. This intrusion not only threatens the practice of Islam but also fosters an environment of distrust and fear, as Muslims become wary of surveillance and potential repercussions for their beliefs and practices.

The Perils of Social Media and Performative Faith

The pervasiveness of social media platforms has led to a culture of moral hypocrisy and a performative aspect of faith. The pursuit of likes, shares, and followers has created an environment where individuals curate their online personas to gain approval from the crowd, rather than focusing on their genuine religious and moral values. This shift in focus has led to a crisis of authenticity, as Muslims grapple with reconciling their online presence with their spiritual commitments.

Creating an Islamic Online Space with Privacy and Open-Source Software

In response to these challenges, there is a growing need for an Islamic online space that prioritizes privacy and utilizes open-source software. By harnessing the power of decentralized technology and encryption, Muslims can protect their communications and religious practices from unwarranted surveillance and intrusion.

Open-source software offers transparency and autonomy, allowing individuals and communities to adapt and modify technology to suit their needs. By embracing open-source platforms, Muslims can create a digital environment that aligns with Islamic principles and values, while safeguarding their privacy.

Navigating the Shift from Proprietary to Open-Source Software: Challenges and Trade-Offs

While the benefits of open-source software in terms of privacy and autonomy are apparent, transitioning from proprietary or closed-source software to open-source alternatives presents its own set of challenges. One such challenge is the steep learning curve associated with adopting new technologies, as open-source platforms often require a higher level of technical knowledge and expertise compared to mainstream options.

Moreover, privacy, convenience, and security exist on a sliding spectrum, with trade-offs to be made between these considerations. As individuals and communities seek to enhance privacy, they may need to sacrifice some degree of convenience and ease of use associated with closed-source software. Additionally, while open-source software can offer robust security, ensuring that the software is properly configured and maintained requires vigilance and expertise. Inevitably, there may be some platforms that are altogether difficult to migrate from.

It is crucial for the Muslim community to acknowledge and address these challenges when considering the adoption of open-source software. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, we can empower individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of these technologies and make informed decisions that strike a balance between privacy, convenience, and security.

In addition to privacy, an Islamic online space should foster authenticity, counteracting the superficiality and performativity prevalent on mainstream social media platforms. By nurturing genuine connections and promoting meaningful discussions, Muslims can engage in a collective effort to preserve their faith and traditions in a technologically-driven world.

Embracing Technology for Personal Knowledge Management: A Shift in Focus

Despite the challenges and concerns surrounding technology, recent advancements also present unique opportunities for personal knowledge management and self-improvement. In contrast to the previous decade, which saw entertainment apps dominating our attention, a new wave of tools and platforms now offer the potential to enhance learning, organization, and productivity.

Innovations in technology have given rise to a variety of applications and services that cater to individual needs and preferences, empowering users to take control of their personal knowledge management. From note-taking and task management apps to advanced learning platforms, these tools enable Muslims to focus on self-development and better engage with their faith and community.

By harnessing the potential of these advancements, the Muslim community can strike a balance between leveraging technology for personal growth and preserving Islamic values. This shift in focus toward knowledge management and self-improvement not only counters the negative influences of entertainment-driven apps but also contributes to the overall well-being and spiritual development of individuals and communities.

Greater Privacy as a Catalyst for Deeper and More Authentic Religious Outlook

Contrary to popular belief, enhanced privacy can play a significant role in fostering a deeper and more authentic religious outlook. When individuals are not preoccupied with the burden of performance, they can prioritize pleasing the Creator over seeking the approval of Creation. Privacy allows for the cultivation of sincerity and introspection, as individuals are not pressured to conform to social expectations or project a public persona for financial gain and social advancement.

In a world where surveillance and public scrutiny are pervasive, the quest for sincerity can be impeded by the constant need to manage one's image. By minimizing these barriers, individuals can focus on their personal relationship with their faith, free from the distractions and expectations imposed by society. This freedom enables Muslims to engage in genuine acts of worship, devotion, and self-improvement that are driven by a sincere desire to please the Creator rather than to maintain a facade for the sake of appearances.

By embracing privacy and eliminating the pressure to perform in a particular fashion
, Muslims can develop a more authentic religious outlook that is grounded in humility, sincerity, and devotion. This approach allows for a deeper connection with one's faith, fostering a sense of spiritual fulfillment and inner peace that transcends the fleeting rewards of social approval and material success.

Conclusion

The challenges posed by Big Tech and the rise of social media necessitate the creation of an Islamic online space that prioritizes privacy and open-source software. By safeguarding religious freedom and promoting authenticity, Muslims can reclaim control over their digital lives and stay true to their faith in a rapidly evolving world.

By embracing privacy-enhancing technologies and fostering genuine connections, we can maintain our Islamic identity and uphold our faith in the face of adversity.

And God Knows best