Government Overreach: Social Media Tracking and the Threat of Treason
The rapid expansion of government surveillance has taken a disturbing turn, as social media activity is now being monitored under the guise of crime intelligence. What was once a space for free expression is now a potential tool for government scrutiny, with critics warning that dissenting voices could soon be labelled as treasonous.
The Rise of Social Media Surveillance
Recent developments indicate that crime intelligence agencies have acquired new tools to monitor social media, CCTV footage, and digital interactions. While authorities justify these measures as necessary for public safety, the implications extend far beyond crime prevention. Every citizen engaging in discussions critical of the state could be flagged as a “person of interest.”
This shift is particularly alarming in light of new bylaws, such as those recently passed in Johannesburg, which grant law enforcement access to private CCTV footage while restricting citizens from publicly sharing the same information. The contradiction is glaring—while individuals are forbidden from using surveillance for their own protection, the government expands its own watchful eye over the population.
Freedom at Risk: The Treasonous Label
The most chilling aspect of this growing surveillance state is the redefinition of dissent. Governments are increasingly treating criticism as a threat rather than a democratic right. As one commentator noted, “We are moving into an era where criticizing the state is seen as an act of treason, not as an exercise of freedom within a democracy.”
The precedent is dangerous: labelling opposition as treasonous paves the way for oppressive governance. It discourages open debate and forces citizens into silence for fear of being targeted. The result? A society where people self-censor, afraid to challenge corruption or inefficiency.
The Real Problem: Priorities and Power
Ironically, while crime intelligence agencies expand their monitoring capabilities, actual crime remains rampant. With a staggering R4.74 billion allocated to the Crime Intelligence Division for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, most of which goes to salaries, little progress is being made in tackling real threats. Instead, resources are funneled into watching law-abiding citizens rather than dismantling criminal networks.
This raises the question: Is surveillance truly about public safety, or is it about controlling the narrative and suppressing opposition?
A free society depends on the ability of its citizens to express themselves without fear of retribution. The increasing surveillance of social media, coupled with the classification of dissent as treason, signals a shift toward authoritarianism. Citizens must recognize the dangers of this growing surveillance state before fundamental freedoms are permanently eroded.
The debate is no longer about crime prevention—it’s about control. Will we accept a future where free thought is criminalized, or will we challenge this dangerous overreach?
