From Ideology to Algorithms, The New Face of Fascism: Digital Fascism

Classical fascism, as defined by Benito Mussolini, is widely recognized for its authoritarianism and extreme nationalism. By contrast, digital fascism refers to the reproduction and reinforcement of these ideologies through digital platforms, including social media and big data technologies. This study examines the evolution of classical fascism in the digital age, emphasizing how technological advancements have reshaped authoritarian ideologies. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the research integrates an extensive literature review with detailed case analyses. Platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and the Aadhaar biometric identification system, alongside their algorithmic applications, are analyzed to assess their roles in disseminating authoritarian ideologies and enabling individual surveillance. The study contends that digital fascism operates without requiring a central leader or organizational structure, instead exploiting social media algorithms to exacerbate social polarization. Furthermore, the manipulative use of social media and the unethical application of big data and artificial intelligence technologies are identified as key mechanisms for sustaining constant surveillance. This dynamic not only consolidates the authority of authoritarian regimes but also amplifies the power of large corporations. Within this framework, digital fascism is conceptualized as an extension of the authoritarian and oppressive dimensions of classical fascism into the digital domain. The research underscores the ideological continuity between classical and digital fascism, highlighting the growing suppression of individual freedoms in the digital era.