Why your online life is a human rights issue

Let’s be real. If you’re reading this, your phone is probably within arm’s reach. We live more online than off. We work, date, shop, fight and even exist on these tiny glowing screens. But here’s the unsettling truth: Every single click, share and scroll you make is a human rights decision. It might sound dramatic, but think about it: the rights we fought so hard for offline — freedom of speech, privacy and security — are now battling for their lives in the digital arena.

Privacy paradox:

Free apps, high cost

Remember that free game you downloaded? Or that viral quiz that asked for your mother’s maiden name and the name of your first pet? We casually trade our personal data for convenience, telling ourselves, “I have nothing to hide.” But what if your medical data, location history, and private messages end up being used to deny you a job, influence your vote or, worse, target you for political harassment? 

In the digital age, privacy isn’t about hiding secrets; it’s about protecting your autonomy. It’s the right to be a whole human being without constant surveillance. We in the Philippines are particularly vulnerable, especially with laws that demand our data, like the SIM Registration Law, which often provide little protection against misuse by authorities. You are not the customer of these free platforms; you are the product. And when your data is monetized, abused, or leaked, that’s a direct violation of your right to dignity.

Algorithm’s chilling effect

We all know the algorithms on social media platforms. They show us what they think we want to see, creating personalized echo chambers that keep us glued to the screen. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. This is a threat to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information. 

When an algorithm decides to amplify sensationalized disinformation or, conversely, to suppress critical reporting because it’s deemed “controversial,” it doesn’t just skew your newsfeed; it warps reality and hinders your ability to make informed choices as a citizen. 

In the Philippines, this is amplified by troll farms and coordinated disinformation campaigns that actively harass journalists, activists and ordinary critics. When you see a wave of anonymous accounts attacking someone online, that’s not organic debate; that’s a sophisticated attack designed to instill a chilling effect. They want you to think twice before posting a critique or sharing a factual report. If you self-censor out of fear of getting cyber-libeled or red-tagged, your digital human rights have already been breached.

What’s your next click?

The digital realm is where the fight for human rights is happening right now. You have more power than you think because you are an active user and creator of this space.

Be a Critical Scroller: Don’t automatically share. Fact-check. Learn to spot the bots and the propaganda. Your critical thinking is the best firewall.

Guard Your Data: Read the privacy settings. Use strong passwords. See what information you are actually giving away for that “free” service. Treat your data like cash.

Support Digital Rights Advocates: Follow and share the work of organizations that push for stronger data privacy and digital security laws in the country. They are fighting the legal battles so you can keep posting safely. 

The digital world shouldn’t be a human rights black hole where the laws of decency and dignity disappear. We must demand that the same rights we enjoy in the real world — freedom, security, and justice — are protected in the virtual one.

Own your feed. Protect your privacy. Don’t let your phone be used against you.