The Future of Digital Surveillance: Why Digital Monitoring Will Never Lose Its Appeal in a World of Algorithm-Driven AI

by Yong Jin Park

Are humans hard-wired to make good decisions about managing their privacy in an increasingly public world? Or are we helpless victims of surveillance through our use of invasive digital media? Exploring the chasm between the tyranny of surveillance and the ideal of privacy, this book traces the origins of personal data collection in digital technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) embedded in social network sites, search engines, mobile apps, the web, and email. The Future of Digital Surveillance argues against a technologically deterministic view—digital technologies by nature do not cause surveillance. Instead, the shaping of surveillance technologies is embedded in a complex set of individual psychology, institutional behaviors, and policy principles.

188 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2021

Reviews

[bookishlimitless · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for concepts on AI fuelled digital surveillance and came across this book, here goes my initial findings. The author kicks off with an introduction saying surveillance isn’t coming it’s already here and we are all part of it. And unpacks on how personal data is constantly harvested from AI powered social media platforms without users any awareness. Further dives into how search engines, emails and the web serve as key tools for surveillance and not just by corporations but governments as well. For example, AI doesn’t just watch but predicts who we are and what we might do which is called as “predictive profiling”. What should we call this type of action? This statement is thought seeding “Our free digital tools come with a hidden cost the erosion of privacy”. Looks like that subtle manipulation is where the real danger lies. My ratings for this book is 4 out of 5 for accessible analysis, real world examples and stimulating content.