In Nations Across The Globe, Technology Is Becoming A Dangerous Tool

In Nations Across The Globe, Technology Is Becoming A Dangerous Tool To Target Freedoms

Mark Henry

It’s happening everywhere. Little by little, piece by piece, a system is being built all throughout the world designed to identify who you are, track where you go, and monitor everything you do, both online and offline. With all the advancements being made in the fields of biometrics and artificial intelligence, the ability to surveil one’s speech, evaluate one’s beliefs, and assess one’s behavior has never been easier nor the possibilities greater.

Technology such as facial recognition, retinal and fingerprint scanning, voice, and even DNA recognition, enable the verification of a person’s unique identity with uncanny speed and accuracy. When coupled with AI algorithms and the “internet of things” in which video surveillance, travel checkpoints, smart devices with GPS tracking, and monitoring of online activity is all tied together, we see a system emerging having frightening if not dangerous levels of power beyond those that have ever existed.

As with any technological device, it’s not the instrument itself that poses a threat, it’s how and for what purpose the technology is used by those having access to it.

In the hands of individuals, organizations, or political bodies whose intentions are noble, morals are honorable, and values are righteous, innovations and advancements in differing scientific fields can prove to be tremendous blessings. Productivity can be increased, burdens of daily life can be eased, hinderances that limit one’s ability to thrive can be removed, and hope can be kindled for those suffering from various disabilities.

However, in the hands of those who are selfish, those who strive for power and control, and those driven by wicked ambitions, technology can quickly become weaponized against those that are ignorant, unsuspecting, gullible, or powerless to stop it. Freedom of speech and expression can be censored, access to different locations and establishments can be restricted, and ability to purchase certain products can be limited, all because of something said, done, or believed that contradicts the “established” or “approved” policies and positions of those in power.

To those who may think this sounds improbable or far-fetched, I would direct their attention to what has been happening recently just across our northern border in Canada. As of the writing of this article, a proposed amendment to the Canadian Criminal Code known as Bill C-9 or “Combating Hate Act” is being debated among Members of Parliament. Though positioned as a bill to protect against hate crimes targeted towards various groups, astute observers scrutinizing the bill’s content have raised concerns over its lack of specificity in articulating what exactly constitutes a hate crime.

Equally concerning is the increased likelihood of incidents like this taking place due to the removal of the requirement to have a provincial attorney sign off prior to any charges of a hate crime being imposed. This alone could open the floodgates for those who are hostile towards the Christian faith to accuse churches, pastors, or simply Christians in general of inciting hate and violence against others, resulting in costly, time consuming, and potentially devastating legal battles just to defend themselves for living in accordance with God’s Word.

Just imagine what could happen in the future should certain Christian teachings and particular Biblical passages be deemed “hate speech” and then all the advanced technological tools at the government’s disposal are deployed to enforce restrictions against such. I shudder to think about it.

So, why does all this matter? Is there any reason for believers like you and me to give any attention to such things? Well, for starters, as many of you who are reading this article are surely aware, the Bible forewarns a coming global system of power and control that will be perfected by the Antichrist during the seven-year tribulation. A future time is coming when a “mark” will be used to authenticate one’s allegiance and compliance with the system of global governance led by the “man of lawlessness” or “beast” (Re. 13:16-18, 2 Th. 2:3-4).

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