As part of the intensive efforts undertaken in the digital transformation we are witnessing in the country—aimed at empowering the economy and advancing sustainable development—our digital lives have become an indispensable reality. Our daily lives now rely heavily on digital systems, whether in professional tasks, operational procedures, or even in the details of our personal routines such as shopping, transportation, and everyday transactions.
Coinciding with humanity’s arrival at the peak of technological advancement, digital transformation, and scientific progress—at unprecedented, historic levels—there has also emerged a set of challenges, risks, and harms related to digital security. These risks affect the family in particular and society at large.
In this series, I will shed light on the impact of these challenges on women in general, as their privacy is a fundamental pillar of the family’s digital security structure. This is especially significant in the context of Emirati women, due to our cultural norms, traditions, societal values, and unique national identity. Unlike fathers—who are often more vigilant, cautious, and less engaged with modern technologies on a daily basis—mothers tend to handle the majority of digital transactions and bear most of the responsibilities, both personal and familial. As a result, the flow of their personal data and information is higher, which increases the risk of privacy breaches.
This series will mark the beginning of my contributions to this column. In each edition, I will address a specific category of topics and phenomena, drawing insights from both global and local best practices, as well as from messages I receive from brothers and sisters through various communication platforms.
Stay tuned for next week’s article, in which I will discuss bank data breaches.
