Auditing Corporate Surveillance Systems: Research Methods for Greater Transparency

Big technology companies' platforms are often criticized for privacy invasions, discrimination, and biases, and this book provides a comprehensive technical resource for computer science students and researchers to study these issues from an experimental, empirical, or quantitative point of view. It offers a foundation in research methods and tools, introduces the current research landscape, and discusses ethical considerations and how to turn research results into real-world change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The prevalence of news headlines highlighting privacy invasions, discrimination, and biases within the platforms of large technology companies is a concerning trend. These companies' reluctance to disclose their operational methods undermines the principles of transparency, openness, and accountability, which are essential to a democratic society. This book is specifically designed for computer science students and researchers who are interested in exploring the corporate surveillance practices of big tech companies from an experimental, empirical, or quantitative perspective. By undertaking such research, scholars can contribute to holding these companies accountable and promoting greater transparency and fairness in the digital realm.

The book serves as a comprehensive technical resource for those seeking to understand the intricacies of corporate surveillance. It provides a detailed account of how corporate surveillance operates, including the technologies and techniques used, as well as the legal and ethical implications of such practices. The book also offers practical guidance on how to study corporate surveillance experimentally and empirically, including methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

In addition to its technical content, the book also provides an overview of the current research landscape in the field of corporate surveillance. It highlights key research questions, emerging trends, and open issues that require further exploration. This information is valuable for scholars who are interested in developing their research agendas and contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this area.

Furthermore, the book addresses the ethical considerations surrounding corporate surveillance and offers insights on how to approach these issues in a responsible and ethical manner. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, consent, and accountability in the use of data and technology, and provides practical strategies for researchers to ensure that their research is conducted in a manner that respects the rights and privacy of individuals.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for computer science students and researchers who are interested in studying the corporate surveillance practices of big tech companies. It provides a thorough foundation in the necessary research methods and tools, as well as a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape and ethical considerations. By undertaking research in this area, scholars can contribute to holding these companies accountable and promoting greater transparency and fairness in the digital realm.

Weight: 637g
ISBN-13: 9781108837668
Edition number: New ed