Big Data's Threat to Liberty: Surveillance, Nudging, and the Curation of Information

Big Data poses a threat to liberty through surveillance, nudging, and the curation of information. This is because data is gathered from our homes, cars, smartphones, devices, and public sources, and is used to influence our actions. Detailed personality profiles are utilized to make us purchase products and services, or pay taxes, through tailor-made nudges aimed at irrational and subconscious mechanisms. The information we receive through various media is curated by algorithms, and even people are curated to satisfy our desires. This results in conformity and a concomitant tyranny of popular opinion, which affects our freedom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Big Data has a significant impact on modern life, and while there are numerous potential benefits associated with it, it is essential to acknowledge the threats it poses to liberty. The issues explored in Big Data's Threat to Liberty: Surveillance, Nudging, and the Curation of Information are closely linked to the pervasive nature of surveillance in our daily lives. Data is collected from various sources, including our homes, cars, smartphones, various household devices, and public sources such as facial recognition-enabled camera surveillance and various websites and social networks. Furthermore, the collected information is utilized to influence our actions. Detailed personality profiles are created to tailor-make nudges aimed at irrational and subconscious mechanisms, delivering them with precision only achievable through Big Data-driven algorithmic curation of data. Moreover, the information we receive through various media is curated by algorithms, and even individuals are curated to fulfill our desires. By presenting us with what the algorithm believes we want, we are shielded from exposure to unpleasant information and even unpleasant people. Consequently, the ideological landscapes we navigate become characterized by conformity, leading to an increasingly coercive tyranny of popular opinion.

The question that arises is: How does the constant surveillance, manipulation, and shaping of our worldviews described above affect our freedom? In this book, it is argued that the threat posed by Big Data to individual liberty is often misunderstood and underestimated due to (a) the vagueness resulting from the concept of liberty being used without it being defined, or (b) the use of definitions based on limited perspectives.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the concept of liberty and its implications in the context of Big Data. Liberty can be defined as the ability to act according to one's own beliefs and values, without undue interference from external forces. However, the interpretation and application of liberty in the context of Big Data are complex and multifaceted.

One of the primary threats posed by Big Data is surveillance. With the vast amount of data collected and analyzed, it becomes easier for governments and organizations to monitor and track individuals' activities. This surveillance can be used for legitimate purposes, such as security and law enforcement, but it can also be abused to infringe on individual rights and freedoms. For example, government surveillance programs that collect data on citizens without their consent can be considered a violation of their privacy rights.

Another threat posed by Big Data is nudging. Nudging is a psychological technique used to influence individuals' behavior by providing them with subtle cues or incentives. In the context of Big Data, nudges are used to influence our purchasing decisions, voting behavior, and even our health choices. For example, online shopping platforms use algorithms to recommend products based on our browsing history and preferences, and social media platforms use algorithms to display content that aligns with our interests. While nudging can be effective in promoting healthy behaviors and improving decision-making, it can also be used to manipulate individuals and promote certain ideologies or political views.

The third threat posed by Big Data is the curation of information. Algorithms are used to filter and organize the vast amount of data available online, and they can shape the way we perceive and interpret information. For example, search engines use algorithms to rank web pages based on their relevance to a user's query, and social media platforms use algorithms to display content that is popular or engaging. However, the curation of information can also lead to the suppression of certain viewpoints or the amplification of others. This can have a significant impact on democracy and the free flow of information, as it can limit the ability of individuals to access diverse and opposing perspectives.

In conclusion, Big Data has a profound impact on modern life, and while there are numerous potential benefits associated with it, it is essential to recognize the threats it poses to liberty. The issues discussed in Big Data's Threat to Liberty: Surveillance, Nudging, and the Curation of Information are closely linked to the pervasive nature of surveillance in our daily lives. By understanding the complexities of the concept of liberty and the implications of Big Data, we can work towards creating a society that values individual rights and freedoms while also harnessing the potential benefits of Big Data for the greater good.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128238066