Pegasus misuse: Over to the Supreme Court

The world has not fully comprehended the emancipation of the individual in our fast-changing technology environment. At the same time, the world has not fully comprehended the dangers that beset this emancipation. Technology empowers us in many ways. Children who have access to contemporary technology and innovations are enabled to discover the world sitting at their homes; to understand and access solutions that may not be available in the classroom, and above all, reach out to those dear to them around the world.

Teachers empower themselves by upgrading their knowledge in ways unheard of before. Scientists exchange views on matters that concern humankind. Knowledge sharing has become much easier and platforms are built to communicate new ideas and skills in a jiffy. Goods and services are delivered at the doorstep from within and across borders. Future wars will be fought in cyberspace. The mind cannot today fathom the multifarious uses of technology for the common good. This level of emancipation has never been witnessed in the history of mankind before.

However, technology also brings with it dangers that may emasculate our cherished freedoms and institutional integrity, especially when misused by an omnipresent, all-powerful state or even rogue players. It can pry into our everyday lives, see what we do, hear what we say, watch wherever we go. The state can take hold of our lives in multiple ways not known before. It can access activities of those saddled in the layers of power, who are institutionally obliged to watch the state and keep it on track within the framework of our Constitution. It can compromise constitutional authorities and pollute the free flow of ideas when falsehood is allowed to be masqueraded as truth. Technology allows the state to discreetly survey and track from afar. It can take over the emancipation of the individual by enslaving him within its fold.