THE INVISIBLE WITNESS: WHAT THEY ARE "STALKING".

Stalking is a form of harassment that can happen to anyone, at any time. It can cause significant emotional distress and even physical harm to the victim. But what if the stalker is not a person, but rather an invisible witness? What are they "stalking" and what can be done about it? An invisible witness, in this context, refers to the constant monitoring and tracking of our online activities by various websites and services. Every time we use social media, search engines, or online shopping platforms, we leave a digital footprint that can be used to build a profile of our likes, dislikes, interests, and even our daily routines. The invisible witness can gather an astonishing amount of information about us. They know where we live, what we buy, who we interact with, and what we read. They can predict our behavior and influence our decisions by showing us tailored ads, articles, and recommendations. In some cases, they can even manipulate our emotions and beliefs by presenting us with biased or fake information. This type of stalking is not illegal, but it does raise serious privacy concerns. It is not always clear who has access to our data, how it is being used, and whether it is being protected from cybercriminals and government surveillance. Moreover, the invisible witness can create a distorted image of us that does not reflect our true selves, leading to discrimination, exclusion, and even political manipulation. So what can we do to protect ourselves from the invisible witness? The first step is to be aware of the data we are sharing and who is collecting it. We should read the terms and conditions of the services we use, and be cautious when giving out personal information. We can also use privacy tools such as ad-blockers, VPNs, and encrypted messaging apps to reduce the amount of data that is being tracked. However, these measures alone may not be enough to stop the invisible witness. We need stronger privacy laws that hold companies accountable for their data practices, and give individuals more control over their personal information. We also need to raise awareness about the risks of online tracking and educate people on how to protect their privacy. The invisible witness is not going away anytime soon, but we can take steps to minimize its impact on our lives. By being vigilant, informed, and proactive, we can reclaim our digital autonomy and ensure that our online presence reflects our true selves, not someone else's version of who we are.