Technology can empower human beings. At the same time, it can control them. The manner in which technology manifests itself in different socio-cultural constructs is, in equal parts, strange and ironic. On the one hand, it adds an element of convenience, making the user’s life easy and simple. On the other, it becomes a draconic instrument of control.
An app called Absher, created by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a classic example of this.
It’s a free e-services app that ostensibly allows the citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to use their services. Available in Arabic and English, it can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. The description on both the platforms – Google Play and the iTunes App store – says it is:
the official individuals e-services mobile application that provides the services of Absher portal in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…Absher has been designed and developed with special consideration to security and privacy of users data and communication. So, you can safely browse your profile or your family members, or labours working for you.
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