Maintenance of political dossiers on individuals

Nature

The compilation by and for government agencies of political dossiers on people, whether nationals or foreigners, who are considered to be a danger to the state, and particularly to the regime in power, is an essential first step in political repression against the activities of certain individuals or groups, and reinforces government control and the effect of indoctrination.

Background

The maintenance of political dossiers on individuals emerged as a recognized global concern during the 20th century, particularly with revelations of state surveillance in totalitarian regimes and later, democratic societies. High-profile disclosures, such as the Stasi files in East Germany and intelligence leaks in the United States and Europe, highlighted the widespread and systematic nature of political profiling. These events spurred international debate on privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse by authorities.

Incidence

The maintenance of political dossiers on individuals is a persistent issue affecting numerous countries across all continents, with both democratic and authoritarian regimes implicated. Intelligence agencies, security services, and political parties routinely compile and update extensive files on citizens, activists, journalists, and political opponents. The scale of this practice is difficult to quantify due to its secretive nature, but periodic leaks and investigations reveal its widespread and systematic character, raising concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and political repression on a global scale.
In 2021, reports emerged from France that the Ministry of the Interior had maintained secret files on thousands of activists, including details about their political opinions and associations. The French data protection authority (CNIL) launched an investigation after civil society groups raised concerns about the scope and legality of these dossiers.

Claim

The maintenance of political dossiers on individuals is a grave and urgent problem. It threatens personal privacy, undermines democratic freedoms, and creates a climate of fear and mistrust. Such surveillance can be weaponized to silence dissent, manipulate public opinion, and erode the very foundations of a free society. Allowing this practice to continue unchecked is a direct assault on civil liberties and the principles of justice and transparency.

Counter-claim

The maintenance of political dossiers on individuals is not an important problem at all. In fact, it is a routine aspect of political life, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making. Concerns about privacy are vastly overstated, as these dossiers typically contain publicly available information. Focusing on this issue distracts from far more pressing societal challenges that genuinely impact citizens’ lives. There is simply no need for alarm or excessive scrutiny regarding this practice.