The Rise of Techno-Authoritarianism: Digital Surveillance and Sovereignty in the Global South

Abstract

The proliferation of digital surveillance technologies has enabled new forms of authoritarian governance across the Global South, characterized by sophisticated monitoring systems, biometric identification programs, and AI-powered social control mechanisms. This paper examines the rise of techno-authoritarianism through comparative analysis of digital surveillance implementations in emerging economies, exploring how governments leverage technology to consolidate power while maintaining facades of democratic legitimacy. Drawing from case studies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the research reveals patterns of technology adoption that prioritize regime stability over civil liberties. The analysis identifies key factors driving techno-authoritarian practices including security concerns, economic pressures, technology transfer from authoritarian regimes, and weak institutional constraints. Findings demonstrate that digital surveillance systems in the Global South often exceed those in established democracies in scope and intrusiveness, enabled by limited regulatory frameworks and civil society capacity. The paper concludes that techno-authoritarianism represents a fundamental challenge to democratic governance and human rights, requiring coordinated international responses and strengthened digital rights frameworks to protect vulnerable populations from technological oppression.