Data Thuggery

Happy Hump Day!

Thus far, we have explored some broad ideas and concepts. Sometimes current events come up that are just too alarming to pass on. Let’s focus in on data and privacy today related to surveillance. I think the recent breaches in privacy centered around data collection can only be described as data thuggery.

We know data is collected for analysis and generating insights to shape our future decisions. What happens when the people we entrust with our data protection misuse their power and abuse privacy?

Yesterday one instance of this could be observed in the following headline: “Australia: Unprecedented surveillance bill rushed through parliament in 24 hours.” reported by tutanota.com. Now, I will not get into the specifics of this story as it is not related to United States law and policy, but feel free to read it over and form your thoughts on it if interested. This will become the new trend for legislators around the globe- passing rushed laws with shrouded intent disguised in an aim to defeat noble causes. It’s a move like adding the terms of service to the account generation page we have seen by big corporations. By signing up, you agree to use of your data, and they have the power to change this agreement whenever it suits the business. Most people are unaware where their data is stored, how far it travels, and what it is used for.

However, this issue of data abuse is becoming widespread, and privacy will be the big ticket item as technology advances. The major issue is that technology moves faster than policy formation, forcing legislators to back track to make the best decisions given the circumstances. Decisions are being made now that can shape whether people succeed or fail in their endeavors. What happens when a bully walks into the marketplace, influences policy for their gain, and dodges regulation by sidestepping rules?...cough… cough…Amazon

We can observe this with the boom of gig economy jobs like Uber or Door Dash. Local and federal governments, union representatives, even workers themselves have been quarrelling over rights and working conditions. The technology is here now, but the important questions of design, function, and compensation are still undecided. This leaves the people who need these systems most in the dark. The pandemic added so much pressure to an already strained environment that many people are quite uncertain where to turn for stability in food security, work, and lifestyle. I hope we can strive to get better at standing up for our data and privacy rights.

Another questionable idea that’s a bit closer to home here in the U.S. is the medical data collection related to testing and vaccination for Covid-19. Obviously, this is a hot issue that is better left to the professionals, but let’s explore the data collection side only. There is a database being built for testing and vaccination that collects these major identifiers for use: name, gender, race, age, and ethnic background. Let that sink in for a moment, the test is aimed to produce a single result- positive or negative so we can protect our families by distancing. Yet the database walks away with all the information that can identify you. We will not know what insights can be drawn from this data, hopefully nothing past statistical analysis. This issue is creating a precedent for the government to utilize these data collection methods. Insurance companies might use this data to determine risk, premiums, and coverage if it’s utilized for future illness. We have seen it time and time again, where private sector decisions about data collection create a dangerous pathway for governments to do the same. If it’s already happening since you agreed to it when signing a company’s book sized terms of service you didn’t read (no one does?), then why can’t the government jump on board too? Chances are no one will notice and if they are caught, it’s a simple slap on the wrist with new laws being made after the damage is done. We must keep an eye on our data.

We can see the large ethical, political, and legal problems forming when humanity insists on adding more complexity to our information systems. When an automated vehicle hits a biker in error, is it the car manufacturer’s fault or the person who had it in driver assist mode? They claim they were not driving, so where does the blame go? Thankfully we have not quite made it to a level 5 fully autonomous vehicle yet (if you’re interested in autonomous vehicles, catch “Look Who’s Driving” on Nova-PBS which explains level 1-5 of automation). We already have autonomous semi-trucks moving across U.S. highways to complete shipping routes. There is a driver ready to take over but believe me the future is already here, yet where does the policy stand for accidents, injuries, and worker’s rights? As technology advances, these large gaps in privacy, law, and policy will need to be addressed. I hope you can evaluate where your data is being utilized across work and personal accounts.

We will start to explore more specific areas of cyber security, lifestyle, and technology in upcoming content.

Thanks for reading and we appreciate you tuning in!

P.F.