Chelsea Manning, the former U.S. Army intelligence analyst turned whistleblower, has renewed warnings over the threats of online censorship and data privacy risks, advocating for a more decentralized internet structure to safeguard individual privacy. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Manning emphasized that censorship remains a "dominant threat," shaped by algorithms and monopolized social media platforms.
During her conversation with CNBC's Karen Tso, Manning highlighted the need for decentralized identification systems that allow individuals to control their own data. "Censorship is a dominant threat," Manning said. "I think it is a question of who's doing the censoring, and what the purpose is." Manning noted that, in the digital age, censorship extends beyond suppression to encompass algorithmic boosting, creating an environment where certain content thrives solely for engagement-driven purposes.
Manning, who currently works with Nym Technologies, a company specializing in online privacy solutions, argued that moving back to a decentralized model akin to the early internet could empower individuals while maintaining online freedom. However, she acknowledged that such a shift would require a new social contract regarding how data is shared and accessed. "One of the ways we can countervail this is to go back to the more decentralized and distribute the internet of the early '90s, but make that available to more people," Manning explained. She stressed that through encryption, decentralized systems could offer users more direct control over their online presence without relying on tech giants.
In Lisbon, Manning also reflected on her own experiences as a whistleblower who leaked classified military documents to WikiLeaks in 2010. Sentenced to 35 years in prison, Manning's sentence was later commuted by President Barack Obama in 2017. Reflecting on the challenges facing whistleblowers today, Manning observed that the focus has shifted from state secrecy to the dissemination of misinformation. "Countries and governments no longer seem to invest the same amount of time and effort in hiding information and keeping secrets. What they seem to be doing now is spending more time and energy spreading misinformation and disinformation," she remarked.
Manning's concerns about data privacy are further amplified by apprehensions regarding potential surveillance practices under the incoming Trump administration. Together with Harry Halpin, CEO of Nym Technologies, Manning warned European citizens to bolster their online defenses in anticipation of a potentially "hostile" U.S.-Europe relationship. Halpin, who spearheaded Nym Technologies with initial European Commission support, voiced fears that Trump's presidency could lead to a more aggressive use of surveillance technologies, particularly against political adversaries.
"People should be more concerned," Halpin stated, pointing to past U.S. government practices revealed by Edward Snowden. Manning added that Trump's tenure could mark a uniquely authoritarian chapter in American history. "Vigilance is always necessary, but there's increased risk to certain groups of individuals," she cautioned, urging heightened privacy and security measures.
The conversation touched on broader fears about technology being used to enforce contentious policies. William Fitzgerald, founder of the Worker Agency, highlighted potential implications for immigrant deportation under Trump's presidency, citing plans to utilize technology to aid mass deportations. "How do you do one or two million [deportations] when you only have 20,000 agents? You use technology to round people up," Fitzgerald noted. He criticized the involvement of major tech firms with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, suggesting they are "in bed with some of the bad stuff" for profit and influence.
As the digital landscape evolves, Manning's call for decentralized systems and vigilance against data misuse underscores the challenges of navigating a complex world of information control and privacy threats. "It's no longer secrecy versus transparency," Manning concluded, but rather discerning and managing the authenticity of the flood of available data.
