Mass data deletion by governments is accelerating.
Data does not simply disappear; it is often deleted or erased deliberately, particularly during transitions of power. Public information, including health and economic data, is being removed without explanation, leading to historical revisionism. The internet, intended as a vast public ledger, has become fragile and centralized, making information vulnerable to erasure. This situation threatens accountability and justice, as access to data is essential for reform. Historical examples, such as the Holocaust and recent censorship in Hong Kong and Spain, illustrate the dangers of information loss. Nonprofit initiatives and blockchain technology offer solutions for preserving public data. Safeguarding data is a civic obligation, as the loss of information equates to the loss of history. The ongoing deletions pose a significant risk to truth and accountability, necessitating a fight for permanence in public records.
