What If the Islamic World United to Resist Digital Colonization?

 

What If the Islamic World United to Resist Digital Colonization?

Muslim unity against digital colonialism fortress mosque, circuits, and diverse figures with flags


Introduction

Today, we often hear the word colonization. But we usually think about military invasion, land occupation, or territorial conquest. Rarely do people realize that in the 21st century, there’s a form of colonization that’s silent, invisible, yet traps Muslims every second: digital colonization.

Personally, I often reflect on this, especially when I see how easily our data changes hands without us realizing it. The question is: what would happen if the Islamic world truly united to resist this digital domination?

(Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, 2019)

Digital Colonization Is Real

Some might think the term digital colonization is an exaggeration. But look closer: who controls our data today? Who owns the biggest servers? Who controls the social media algorithms shaping our youth’s minds?

The answer isn’t the Islamic world, but a handful of global corporations. Most of the technology we use from Google, Meta, to Apple is rooted in Western countries. They have full control over our information.

(Snowden, Permanent Record, 2019)

Big Market, No Power

Ironically, the Islamic world is one of the biggest digital markets. Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt all have millions of active internet users. Pew Research (2020) even notes that social media penetration in Muslim-majority countries is growing faster than the global average.

Unfortunately, our position is only that of a consumer. We pay for gadgets, data plans, ads, scroll endlessly yet the money and data flow to a few tech giants. We’re like a data colony without knowing it.

What If We United?

As a Muslim, I try to imagine. What if the Islamic world, made up of over 50 countries and 1.9 billion people, built a united digital front? Imagine shared search engines, cloud servers, social media, and data centers.

This is not just wishful thinking. Turkey, for example, has proven its capability with its drone technology (Bayraktar). Indonesia has globally recognized digital talent. The UAE is building smart cities and blockchain government systems. The potential is there just not strategically connected.

(Khusainov, Islamic Countries and Technological Development, 2021)

Why Is It So Hard to Unite?

Here lies the biggest challenge. The Islamic world is still trapped by local political interests, national ego, even sectarian conflict. The awareness to build digital collaboration loses to short-term interests. In the era of data, any country without independent digital infrastructure will always be dependent.

I feel this is a matter of mindset. We’re too comfortable being consumers. Some people are satisfied using foreign-made platforms without wanting to build alternatives.

(Roy, Globalized Islam, 2004)

What Are the Benefits of Uniting?

For me, the biggest benefit of a united digital Islamic world is not just data sovereignty. Beyond that, we could control our own narrative. Today, social media algorithms can shape discourse, divide people, even influence elections. Imagine if we could control that narrative ourselves.

Also, a digital economy could reduce dependency on exporting raw materials. Muslim countries could generate income through technology, innovation, and start-ups not just oil and mining.

(Ramadan, Western Muslims and the Future of Islam, 2004)

Where Should We Start?

In my view, the first step is simple: digital literacy education from an early age. Mosques, boarding schools, schools, universities all must understand the importance of data sovereignty. Governments must fund research, local server infrastructure, and strong data protection laws.

In addition, collaboration among Muslim entrepreneurs is crucial. Why do we compete domestically when we share the same audience? There should be a cross-country Islamic digital ecosystem: payment gateways, cloud servers, Islamic e-commerce, and alternative social media platforms.

What Happens If We Don’t?

If the Islamic world stays divided, I’m sure digital colonization will tighten its grip. We’ll remain a cheap data farm, powerless over our own privacy. Muslim youth will be shaped in mindset by foreign algorithms.

Gradually, the Muslim identity will become just a symbol. Our passports will say free, but our minds will be colonized with every click. To me, this is far more dangerous than physical colonization.

(Zuboff, 2019)

Personal Reflection

I’m not anti-Western technology. Nor am I paranoid about globalization. But I believe the Islamic world needs to rise at least in the realm of data and tech. I dream that one day, Muslim youth won’t just be proud to use an iPhone but also create their own super apps.

Is that impossible? Not at all. As long as there is political will, cross-country collaboration, and collective awareness. If not now, then when?

Lokasi: GWC7+49 Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

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