Surveillance state: How digital tools are being used to persecute Christians

With the rise of advanced technologies, the ways of suppressing religious freedom are increasing exponentially. From facial recognition software to firewalls, Tim Wyatt spotlights the new ways repressive regimes are targeting Christians

An Iranian convert exchanges messages with a Christian friend.They agree to risk meeting in person. When he arrives at the agreed location, however, he is arrested by security forces. The authorities have intercepted his messages, impersonated his contact and led him into a trap.

In Germany, the Christian Uyghur exile, Dr Enver Tohti, is driving along a picturesque country road when his car suddenly swerves into a lake. He and his family smash the windows and swim to safety. Although his claim cannot be verified, Tohti – a prominent dissident who campaigns against the Chinese government – believes his internet-connected vehicle was hacked into and steered towards water.

Thousands of miles away in India, a village’s water supply becomes contaminated and several locals die. Hindu nationalist extremists share messages on Facebook and WhatsApp claiming a Christian in the village has cursed the water. An enraged mob, convinced by what they’ve read on their phones, lynches the Christian.