In today’s interconnected world, our daily activities contribute to a vast pool of digital data. Wendy H. Wong, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and the author of “We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age,” stresses that our personal information, such as SIN numbers and addresses, is just a fraction of the data collected about us.
Wong emphasizes that the proliferation of data by big tech companies poses a human rights concern. Currently, there are limited safeguards to protect individuals from extensive data collection and its potential misuse in defining and influencing behavior.
The concept of ‘datafication’ describes how our behaviors are transformed into digital data, altering the way we lead our lives. This shift raises questions about the relationship between individuals and their data. Data is not merely a byproduct of everyday activities but plays a crucial role in shaping identities and influencing various aspects of life, from financial decisions to social interactions.
While some argue that individuals have become synonymous with their data, Wong believes it is essential to recognize that human existence extends beyond data points. However, the increasing reliance on data analytics has led to people being increasingly defined and constrained by their data profiles.
Moreover, the dominance of big tech companies in data collection raises concerns about filter bubbles and the reinforcement of extreme perspectives through tailored information. The data-driven nature of modern life has become pervasive, impacting how individuals are perceived and how choices are influenced.
Wong advocates for a paradigm shift where individuals are viewed as stakeholders in the data they help generate. By acknowledging their role in data creation, individuals can demand accountability and transparency from policymakers and technology companies. While individuals may not match the influence of tech giants individually, collective action and awareness can drive meaningful change.
In conclusion, understanding the implications of datafication and recognizing oneself as a stakeholder in data creation are crucial steps towards asserting agency over personal data and advocating for ethical data practices.