The panel on Day 2 of the 6th edition of the Harmattan Forum addressed “Mobility Today and Ethical challenges.” Several panellists took turns presenting various talks, covering topics such as the free movement of persons within the ECOWAS space, migration, and the ethical challenges in the use of digital technology, among others.

The second presentation on “Migration and the Ethical Challenges in the Use of Digital Technology” was made by Laity Ndiaye, Communication Officer at AfricTivistes and Editor-in-Chief of Dialogue Migration platform. Regarding ethical issues, he provided a non-exhaustive list, notably including misinformation and manipulation on migration issues. Stereotypes about migrants have always existed, however, with the rise of digital technology, especially social media—which are considered as amplifiers—these negative stereotypes spread rapidly to a wide range of audience. “These are the diverse clichés and stereotypes surrounding migration that ultimately affect perceptions and, further, legislation. These clichés, which have always existed, now spread at an exponential rate thanks to technology,” explained Laity Ndiaye.

Another issue is cybersecurity and the protection of personal data. According to the speaker of the day, the use of biometric databases can carry risks. “The exploitation of these data by third parties, the risks of intrusion into the migrant’s private life. The biometric data collected can also facilitate the widespread surveillance of migrants in contexts of repression or authoritarianism,” explained the Editor-in-Chief of Migration Dialogue.

He warns migrants about the use of personal and sensitive data through discussion groups like WhatsApp. “In the process of migrating, migrants also rely on family and community networks online in destination countries. Sensitive data is often shared within these communities. This is obviously not without its own risk,” he warned, urging caution while encouraging the preference for legal migration, which carries fewer risks.

The quest for sensationalism by non-professional platforms spreading false information does more harm than good. Another equally important issue is the protection of digital data of migrants. There is also the influence of those who have successfully migrated and often share misleading images that have very little to do with reality. “Influence is a silent harm in itself,” stated the Communication Officer of AfricTivistes, who listed several reasons motivating young people’s relocation. These include economic reasons, notably unemployment, and the dream of leaving for greener pastures.

Guillaume Goulard, State Counselor and lawyer, said he understands and acknowledges that it is normal for young people to have dreams, but he urged them to be wary of misleading images.  According to him, the situation of migrants in Europe is far from being ideal, highlighting their difficult living conditions, cost of living, employment challenges, etc. In its communication, the Anthony Foundation advocated for the creation of a new window of hope for migrants.