Jimmy Gathu
New Lister
Cases of abductions and enforced disappearances have sparked public concern in Kenya, with many wondering about the role of technology in both perpetuating and solving such crimes. Social media platforms have become a space for activism, as people raise awareness about missing individuals. However, they can also be tools for tracking and identifying suspects or victims, depending on how technology is leveraged.
Governments can trace IP addresses through collaboration with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to locate individuals. An IP address serves as a digital fingerprint, linking a device to its physical location and user details. This process is instrumental in tracking individuals involved in cybercrimes or those hiding behind pseudonymous accounts. However, cases of individuals evading authorities reveal limitations in enforcing digital tracking by simply avoiding having a trackable device.
Many users depend on specific service providers like safaricom, airtel and telkom. Dumping a provider could mean switching to international services, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), or alternative local operators. These shifts complicate digital tracking, as VPNs can mask IP addresses, rendering traditional tracing methods ineffective.
The context of abductions further complicates this discussion. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens in Kenya have raised concerns about state involvement in some disappearances. If the government itself is implicated, then the tools for tracking IP addresses might not be transparently or equitably employed. Conversely, legitimate efforts to track suspects in abduction cases may face hurdles if perpetrators leverage advanced anonymity tools.
The broader implication is the need for balance: safeguarding digital privacy while ensuring accountability. Kenya needs robust cybersecurity policies that address the dual threats of misuse and overreach. Citizens must also be educated on protecting their digital identities to avoid becoming targets of surveillance or criminal activity.
While technology offers powerful tools for tracking and solving crimes, its effectiveness is limited by technical, legal, and ethical factors. In Kenya, where trust in law enforcement is sometimes fragile, ensuring that such tools are used responsibly and transparently is key to restoring public confidence and addressing the crisis of abductions.