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In the age of algorithm, we must revitalise the conversation on the ‘freedom of thought’

Social platforms have transformed how we communicate, often encouraging users to share without reflection. Rather than appealing to our reasoning faculties, these systems exploit cognitive biases, fostering addictive behaviours that erode our capacity for focused thought. This manipulation of attention has far-reaching implications, not only for individual cognition but also for collective autonomy.

https://theleaflet.in/digital-rights/in-the-age-of-algorithm-we-must-revitalise-the-conversation-on-the-freedom-of-thought 

Justice Anthony Kennedy of the U.S. Supreme Court once noted, “Minds are not changed in streets and parks as they once were. To an increasing degree, the more significant interchanges of ideas and shaping of public consciousness occur in mass and electronic media”. This observation underscores a shift from traditional public discourse to algorithmically mediated interaction, where information flows are technology driven.

A darker potential looms in the prospect of technologies capable of influencing, interpreting, or even controlling thought itself—akin to the phenomenon of “Doublethink”, to borrow from  Orwell’s ‘1984’, where individuals were compelled to abandon personal perception in favour of officially sanctioned narratives. In such a world, privacy of thought vanishes, replaced by surveillance so pervasive that even dreams or diary entries could incriminate.

The United Nations raised red flags in 2021 about the ethical risks of emerging neurotechnologies designed to decode, predict, or alter human thought. Companies like Meta and Neuralink are racing to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can convert neural activity into digital output in real-time. 

These systems could allow users to control devices with their thoughts but they also risk breaching the last bastion of human freedom: the mind itself. 

Despite its critical importance, the right to freedom of thought (‘FoT’) remains underdeveloped in both law and discourse.

Importantly, safeguarding FoT is not just the duty of governments. Citizens, too, must recognise its value. Thinking critically is neither easy nor always comfortable. It requires effort, courage, and openness to uncertainty. 

As noted, “Relatively few people want to think. Thinking troubles us; thinking tires us.” But the cost of neglecting this right may be far greater. If freedom of thought is eroded by invasive technologies, coercive platforms, or passive disinterest we risk losing not only our dignity and democracy, but our humanity itself. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, we must ensure that the last refuge of freedom “the human mind” remains protected from prying eyes and manipulative hands.

by Mahima Garg

02/06/2025

In refusing to glorify the use of fear, violence, we may tap hidden strengths

In the spectrum of himsa and ahimsa, we are free to look at the whole story. The reward may not be complete freedom from fear, but in refusing to glorify the use of fear, we may tap hidden strengths.https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/in-refusing-to-glorify-the-use-of-fear-violence-we-may-tap-hidden-strengths-10025062/ ..(not turning the other cheek ) the worst forms of impotence are a consequence of rage, not nonviolence. The essence of how contemporary practitioners understand “ahimsa parmo dharma” is: If you act from a higher level of awareness, drawing on finer human emotions, you can work out effective, refined strategies to overcome injustice... Nonviolence defines victory as standing firm in your strength and having the willingness to co-exist, co-thrive with the “other”.

Great 35, MKSS

It's been 35 years , (1990 to 2025), since we assembled at Bhim, in Rajsamand District to launch the MKSS.  The early years were tumultuous but the path to equality and justice was clear, and the impediments many. 

The minimum wages battles led to the RTI and MGNREGA and later to the Rights based laws. The years have passed packed with the million issues of denial of basic rights to survive, yet the struggle continues,  despite usympathetic structures and governments. 

Work and workers  now operate in  a different paradigm. The laws have changed and work is contract work, without guarantees. The Gig Workers law, a law for old age pension and an urban employment scheme amongst otgers have seen the light of day. 

The few windows of opportunities we  see, have been relentlessly pursued. 

We celebrate today's Mazdoor Mela in Bhim, in the spirit of a celebration of ourselves and our struggles - the right to survive with dignity and joy.

Aruna, Nikhil and Shankar and the MKSS.

https://www.freedominfo.org/2004/06/the-right-to-know-is-the-right-to-live-3/ 

https://youtu.be/-TXSb2ofJLM  Shankar : Hum Kya Mange

Nikhil De On 15 years of RTI  https://youtu.be/1Q_XUnNfHaQ