The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Surveillance Capitalism: Privacy Erosion and Exploitation.
Surveillance capitalism is a term coined by Shoshana Zuboff, a professor at Harvard Business School, to describe the business model that revolves around the commodification of personal data. This model is based on the idea that individuals are not customers or clients, but rather, they are products to be sold and exploited for profit. In this system, technology companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple collect vast amounts of information about us, from our search queries, messages, locations, purchases, interests, behaviors, emotions, and more. They then use this data to target us with personalized ads, recommendations, or offers that are supposed to enhance our lives, but often manipulate us into buying things we don’t need or want.
The Dark Side of AI in Surveillance Capitalism #
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveillance capitalism is especially worrisome because it amplifies the harms and risks of this business model. AI algorithms can analyze, interpret, predict, and act on our personal data in ways that are opaque, unaccountable, and potentially malicious or exploitative. For example, AI can be used to create “micro-targeting” campaigns that show different ads or messages to different people based on their perceived characteristics, such as age, gender, race, income, education, interests, preferences, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, moods, health status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and more. This can lead to discrimination, exclusion, stereotyping, stigmatization, or profiling of certain groups or individuals based on their personal traits or circumstances.
Privacy Erosion and Exploitation #
One of the main consequences of surveillance capitalism is privacy erosion, which refers to the gradual loss of control over our personal information and decision-making power. As we become more reliant on technology and online platforms, we expose ourselves to more risks and vulnerabilities that can affect our safety, security, reputation, well-being, autonomy, dignity, freedom, fairness, justice, democracy, and human rights. For instance, we may unwittingly reveal sensitive or confidential information about ourselves, such as our passwords, credit card numbers, medical records, genetic data, intimate conversations, or private thoughts, that can be misused by hackers, scammers, identity thieves, stalkers, bullies, trolls, or other malicious actors.
What You Can Do About It #
As a consumer and citizen, you have some power to resist and counteract the harms of surveillance capitalism and AI. Here are some steps you can take:
- Be aware of what data you share with companies and why they collect it.
- Read the privacy policies and terms of service carefully before agreeing to them.
- Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, VPNs, antivirus software, encryption, or other security measures to protect your devices and accounts.
- Avoid oversharing on social media or online platforms, especially about your location, identity, relationships, opinions, or feelings.
- Choose products or services that prioritize privacy and transparency, such as DuckDuckGo, Signal, ProtonMail, or Firefox.
- Support organizations or movements that advocate for data protection, consumer rights, digital freedom, or democracy.
- Demand better regulation or oversight of the tech industry, especially regarding AI ethics, transparency, accountability, and liability. By following these tips and taking action, you can help protect yourself and others from the dark side of artificial intelligence in surveillance capitalism and contribute to a more just, equitable, and democratic society.