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Essay / Review of the article “The Threat of Big Data Surveillance” by Andrew Guthrie Ferguson
Using big data surveillance means obtaining a large amount of data which is then stored, combined and analyzed, ultimately creating models that reveal trends used for governance, marketing and security. We are constantly monitored in our daily routine, and most of them are unaware of it. The article discusses the problems left by our digital clues or footprints, whether through computer connections, social networks or electronic identity cards. Even though most are aware of these forms of tracking and know how to avoid them, sometimes we can't do it. Our cars can be tagged with automatic license plate readers and our faces can be recorded with surveillance cameras. Data obtained about us may also be legally requested by the government, and as the Internet of Things continues to expand, so do our privacy concerns. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Big data surveillance continues to grow, and with it, the rise of more civil rights activists. These activists discuss what form the data is collected about us, what kind of rules are in place to manage our data, how to control how the data is used, and who has access to that data. Police blindly accept these technological advances and surveillance technologies without questioning the system or getting citizen oversight and input. Although technology and surveillance have improved and expanded, our privacy laws have not. Many have seen the problem, including various governments. Thus, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was developed. It is a European Union (EU) regulatory law on data protection and privacy relating to all individuals within the EU, the European Economic Area and globally. While this is a step in the right direction, most other governments can't seem to keep up, even though most privacy laws were written before the digital age. Most of us aimlessly click “I agree” when we come across a contract with terms and conditions, without knowing exactly what we are agreeing to. Some are aware of these issues and actively seek out privacy apps or choose to use digital privacy strategies, such as using Signal, an encrypted messaging app rather than the app. SMS messaging provided with your phone. Others argue that selling our personal data is worth it if we receive life-enhancing technologies in return, including Google or cool apps. Government surveillance goes against the freedom that technology is supposed to give us. Free speech is lost if a person shares their opinions online only to be tracked by the government and punished for it. Government surveillance of big data is an issue that concerns everyone, but not everyone opposes it. Countries like Saudi Arabia will even punish your family members and friends if they fail to silence you. The question arises whether you sell your data and force your family to be protected, or whether you risk everything to live the life you want. We.