Shetechtive Uganda blog

2025 was supposed to be the year artificial intelligence and data-driven systems finally delivered on their promise: efficiency, inclusion, and innovation. Instead, it became a year of hard lessons. Across governments, corporations, and platforms, repeated data and AI failures exposed a familiar truth.  Technology is only as ethical as the systems of power that shape it. For women, marginalized communities, and digital rights defenders, these missteps were not abstract “tech problems.” They had real consequences: surveillance without consent, automated exclusion, silencing of voices, and deepened inequalities. As we move forward, ending data and AI disasters must start with naming what went wrong. 1. Treating Data as a Resource, Not a Right One of the biggest missteps of 2025 was the continued framing of personal data as a commodity rather than a human rights issue. Governments and companies rushed to collect, share, and monetize data without meaningful consent, transparenc...

By Rebecca Nanono | Shetechtive Uganda A Marketplace Built on Misinformation Disinformation is no longer just a political weapon or an online nuisance. It is a booming global industry. From troll farms to clickbait factories, from deepfake software to data-driven propaganda, disinformation has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar market that shapes elections, polarizes societies, and undermines public trust in truth itself. A 2023 study by University of Baltimore estimated that the global economic cost of disinformation exceeds $78 billion per year , including losses from stock manipulation, reputational damage, and public health misinformation. Behind this staggering figure lies a thriving ecosystem of digital mercenaries, content farms, and algorithmic amplifiers profiting from deceit. The Business Model of Deceit The disinformation market thrives because attention equals profit . Every click, view, and share, no matter how false, translates into advertising revenue. Tech ...

  The internet is more than just a tool for connection, it has become a powerful stage where women in Africa are rewriting narratives, resisting oppression, and demanding justice. In societies where traditional power structures often silence women’s voices, digital platforms offer new ways to be heard, to organize, and to influence change. This is the essence of digital feminism : the use of technology to advance women’s rights and challenge inequality. 1. Social Media as a Megaphone From Twitter to TikTok, African women are using social media to amplify issues that were once ignored by mainstream media. Hashtags like #BringBackOurGirls , #JusticeForNoura , and #MeToo have mobilized communities, drawn international attention, and pressured leaders to act. Online campaigns transform local struggles into global conversations. 2. Breaking the Gatekeepers of Information In the past, traditional media and institutions controlled what stories reached the public. Today, women can...

In an era where digital technology is reshaping governance, its use is not always synonymous with democracy and freedom. While the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data have empowered citizens, they have also been weaponized by authoritarian regimes to control populations, silence dissent, and manipulate information. This phenomenon, known as digital authoritarianism , refers to the use of technology by governments to reinforce their grip on power rather than to promote democratic values. Digital authoritarianism is a growing concern, as states deploy surveillance tools, internet censorship, and data-driven repression to maintain control. However, technology remains a double-edged sword ,while it enables autocratic rule, it also offers opportunities for resistance, transparency, and democratic resurgence. 1. Understanding Digital Authoritarianism At its core, digital authoritarianism involves the strategic use of digital tools by governments to monitor, restrict, a...

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed the way we communicate, access information, and participate in society. However, this digital revolution has also brought significant challenges, including concerns over privacy, online safety, digital inequality, and the role of big tech companies in governance. To address these challenges and create a more inclusive and fair digital future, the United Nations has proposed the Global Digital Compact (GDC) —a framework aimed at setting global principles for digital cooperation and governance. What is the Global Digital Compact? The Global Digital Compact is an initiative proposed by the United Nations to establish a set of global principles to guide the use of digital technologies. It is expected to be a core part of the Summit of the Future in 2024 , bringing together governments, private sector actors, civil society, and other stakeholders to build a more open, safe, and human-centered digital space . The Compact seeks...

The rise of digital technology has brought about significant transformations in our economies, societies, and everyday lives. One of the most profound developments has been the emergence of digital capitalism , a form of capitalism that is deeply embedded in the internet, data, and digital platforms. Unlike traditional capitalism, which centered on industrial production and physical goods, digital capitalism thrives on intangible assets like data, algorithms, and network effects. This system has enabled unprecedented levels of connectivity and innovation but also raised questions about inequality, privacy, and the concentration of power. Let’s explore the core manifestations of digital capitalism and the implications they hold for society. Manifestations of Digital Capitalism 1. Platform Economies Platforms like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Uber dominate the digital economy by acting as intermediaries between users and services. These platforms generate revenue through data collec...

In today’s interconnected digital world, the tension between surveillance capitalism and democracy has become a pressing issue. Surveillance capitalism, a term popularized by Shoshana Zuboff in her book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism , refers to the commodification of personal data by corporations to predict and influence consumer behavior. While it has transformed businesses and created immense profits, it raises critical questions about individual autonomy, privacy, and democratic governance. On the other hand, democracy emphasizes citizen empowerment, accountability, and informed decision-making. But as surveillance capitalism grows more pervasive, the question arises: does it undermine democratic values? And if so, who gets to decide how data is collected, used, and governed? Surveillance Capitalism: A New Economic Logic Surveillance capitalism thrives on the extraction and monetization of behavioral data. Every search, click, or swipe generates a trail of information tha...

In today’s increasingly digital world, the threat landscape for cybersecurity is becoming more complex and diverse. Organizations and individuals face an unprecedented range of challenges, from phishing attacks and ransomware to data breaches and insider threats. To combat these, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight against cybercrime. But what exactly is the role of AI in cybersecurity, and how does it impact our digital safety? The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 1. Threat Detection and Prevention AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns that may indicate potential cyber threats. These systems excel in recognizing anomalies, such as unusual login attempts or unauthorized data transfers, that could signal an attack. Machine learning models, in particular, adapt over time, becoming more effective at detecting new and evolving threats. 2. Automated Incident Response AI can accelerate response times by automating r...

The digital age has transformed how we connect, communicate, and interact, but it has also given rise to new forms of harm—one of the most insidious being online hate crimes. In her book Hate Crimes in Cyberspace , legal scholar Danielle Citron examines how digital spaces are uniquely suited for amplifying harassment, particularly against vulnerable groups such as women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and religious communities. Hate crimes in cyberspace include cyberstalking, online harassment, and doxxing (the malicious release of private information). These forms of abuse can severely affect victims’ psychological health, personal safety, and professional lives. Citron’s work highlights how hate crimes online are often rooted in biases that exist offline but gain new dimensions and reach in the digital realm. The anonymous and boundary-less nature of the internet emboldens perpetrators and complicates accountability, often allowing aggressors to harass without facing signif...

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information flows constantly from various sources, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) has become an essential skill for navigating the complexities of modern communication. MIL is not just about consuming information; it involves a comprehensive understanding of how to access, analyze, create, reflect upon, and act on the information we encounter daily. Let's explore each of these dimensions and how they contribute to becoming a more informed and empowered citizen. 1. Access Access refers to the ability to find and retrieve information from various sources effectively. This dimension involves: Knowing Where to Search: Understanding the different platforms, databases, and media outlets that provide reliable information. This includes both online and offline resources such as libraries, news websites, academic journals, and social media. Evaluating Sources: Being able to distinguish between credible an...