The Politics of Personal Information: Surveillance, Privacy, and Power in West Germany

West Germany was a pioneer in population surveillance and privacy protection legislation in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to postindustrial social conflicts. This book provides a definitive account of the politics of personal information in West Germany at the dawn of the information society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 406 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In the vibrant 1970s and 1980s, West Germany emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of population surveillance, harnessing the power of new information technologies to track and monitor its citizens. This era of cultural transformation and political polarization also witnessed a significant expansion, bureaucratization, and computerization of population surveillance, challenging the established norms governing the exchange and use of personal information. As a result, a new set of social conflicts emerged, centered around the use of personal information as a tool for social governance within the welfare state.

To unravel the complex politics of personal information in West Germany during this pivotal period, this book combines extensive archival research with a groundbreaking theoretical framework. It offers a comprehensive account of the historical, social, and political factors that shaped the development of personal information policies and practices. Through detailed analysis and vivid storytelling, the book sheds light on the intricate interplay between government agencies, civil society organizations, and individual citizens, exploring how they navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of the information society.

The book explores the historical roots of population surveillance in West Germany, tracing its origins back to the **** era and the emergence of the welfare state. It examines how the post-war German government sought to establish a comprehensive system of social control, using personal information as a key tool to manage and regulate the population. The expansion of population surveillance in the 1970s and 1980s was driven by a range of factors, including the need to address social inequality, combat crime, and ensure public safety. However, this expansion also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, leading to a fierce debate about the balance between surveillance and individual rights.

One of the key themes of the book is the bureaucratization of population surveillance. As government agencies increasingly relied on computers and databases to collect and store personal information, they became more bureaucratic and hierarchical. This led to a separation between the policymakers who created policies and the administrators who implemented them, creating a complex web of regulations and procedures that often made it difficult for citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of civil society organizations in shaping the politics of personal information. These organizations, ranging from privacy advocacy groups to consumer protection organizations, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the risks associated with population surveillance and advocating for stronger privacy protections. They also worked to develop alternative models of surveillance that were more accountable and respectful of individual rights.

The book also explores the impact of the information society on the politics of personal information. As technology continued to advance, the amount and types of personal information collected and stored grew exponentially. This led to new challenges and opportunities for policymakers and citizens alike. For example, the rise of the internet and social media provided new avenues for citizens to engage with government and participate in public discourse, but it also raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful account of the politics of personal information in West Germany at the dawn of the information society. It sheds light on the historical roots, social, and political factors that shaped the development of personal information policies and practices, and it explores the complex interplay between government agencies, civil society organizations, and individual citizens. By examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of the information society, the book provides valuable insights into the ongoing debates about privacy, surveillance, and the role of technology in shaping our society.

ISBN-13: 9781805391159