FLASH
Shkruar nga Besmir Semanaj
I was in Albania over the weekend and noticed that TikTok was working normally on every network, both mobile and WiFi. This shows that the government's decision to block the platform has not been technically implemented, which is, in essence, ridiculous.
There has been talk in IT circles about an attempt to deploy DPI at the country's largest internet providers.
But what exactly is DPI (Deep Packet Inspection), what risks does it pose to citizens' privacy, and should such a sensitive technology be implemented without a clear and detailed legal framework?
DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) is a technology that allows internet service providers (ISPs) or authorities to inspect in detail the content of data packets passing through the network.
Unlike simply inspecting the "header" of a packet, DPI also looks at the actual content, which means:
• It can distinguish the type of traffic (video, text, a specific application such as TikTok, VPN, etc.).
• It can block, redirect, or modify traffic in real time.
• It can monitor the behavior of users on the internet at a very detailed level.
Why is DPI used?
• For control and censorship (as in the case of TikTok)
• For cybersecurity (e.g. malware detection)
• For traffic optimization or network management (QoS)
• For mass surveillance, which is concerning from a human rights perspective.
Risks to citizens’ privacy:
1. Mass surveillance – DPI can analyze everything we do online in real time.
2. Violation of the right to privacy – Even if it does not block anything, the very fact that it monitors creates a frightening environment.
3. Misuse of data – If the government or ISPs are not transparent, data can be used for political purposes, punishment, or manipulation.
4. Lack of transparency and public scrutiny – If DPI is implemented without a clear legal framework, there is neither a complaint mechanism nor guarantees for fundamental rights.
Should it be implemented without a legal framework?
Absolutely not. The implementation of DPI should:
• Be discussed publicly, not happen in secret.
• It is regulated by a clear and transparent law, which defines:
• Who has access to the data
• For what purpose
• How long the data is stored
• How it is protected from misuse
Otherwise, it is a serious risk to democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.
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