Why Privacy Matters to Migrants and People on the Move
Privacy is a fundamental human right that applies to everyone, regardless of where they come from or why they move. Migrants and refugees are no exception. They have the same right to a private life and to be free from intrusive surveillance as anyone else. Yet, for people on the move, this right to privacy is under constant threat.
Migrants’ daily lives and movements are increasingly scrutinised by powerful surveillance systems. From biometric databases to live GPS tracking, and from electronic ankle tags to opaque algorithmic decision making that affects their futures, the tools used to monitor migrants are expanding rapidly. These technologies are often invasive, dehumanising, and sometimes deployed without the knowledge or consent of the people they’re targeting.
The rise of surveillance in immigration enforcement is often framed as a simple technical solution, rather than a complex political and moral issue with devastating consequences for those subjected to it. Tactics such as 24/7 GPS tagging and electronic monitoring create a digital cage around people for simply seeking a better life. These measures often serve to punish rather than protect, framing migration as a threat.
Furthermore, surveillance tools are often rolled out without transparency. Hidden algorithms and secret systems make it nearly impossible for migrants and advocates to challenge these unfair or inhumane practices. This lack of accountability strips migrants of their agency and erodes the values of justice and dignity that should underpin any decent society.
If we fail to defend the privacy rights of migrants, we risk normalising a future where governments can monitor every thought, movement and interaction of anyone seeking refuge. Such unchecked surveillance doesn’t make us safer. Instead, it makes us less free.
Privacy Matters.