Discussion on Own, Shared, and Collective Data Through a Podcast
In a debate meeting held at Kulturhuset in Oslo on February 11, 2020, Christina Colclough, an expert in digitalization and public services, addressed the pressing issue of data governance and the need for a new digital ethos. The meeting, organized by the Trade Campaign - Network for Fair and Democratic Trade Policy, Trade Union, and Attac Norway, was attended by several key figures, including Hans Martin Aase from The Trade Union, Geir Aasen, Associate Secretary in the EL and IT Union in Norway, and Stina Hassel, NTL country board member.
Colclough began by discussing the digital developments that have transformed our lives, from the use of credit cards and mobile devices to social media platforms. She highlighted that these technologies create and give away vast amounts of data, which are then used to make inferences about individuals. This data can be used to profile individuals, influencing what goods they are likely to buy, their political persuasion, and more.
The profiling and analysis of individuals can shape the world that is available to them, including the news they read and their potential political leanings. Colclough emphasized the need to be critical of massive surveillance and monitoring in both personal and professional contexts. She suggested that we should stop calling smart devices "smart" and instead call them "surveillance" devices.
Colclough argued that we must rethink data governance to prioritize democratic participation, transparency, and ethical considerations. She advocates for a new digital ethos that moves beyond treating data purely as a resource to be exploited, toward recognizing data's social and political dimensions. This shift, she believes, would enable more inclusive and accountable digital infrastructure, especially in public sector contexts.
The convenience of online shopping, voice commands, and easy access to information comes at a cost, as it often involves giving away personal data. Colclough's message is a call to action for individuals and organizations to take a more critical approach to data collection and usage, ensuring that our digital world is one that benefits people and the planet, rather than just a few tech giants.
For those interested in learning more about Colclough's perspectives on these topics, the podcast discussing these topics can be found online. While a verbatim account of her statements at the 2020 Kulturhuset podcast is not available, her published work provides a valuable insight into her views on data, data governance, and the need for a new digital ethos.
- The profiling and analysis of individuals, facilitated by data-and-cloud-computing, can impact various aspects of their lives, such as their health, environment, and political affiliations, as highlighted by Christina Colclough during the debate meeting at Kulturhuset in Oslo.
- To ensure a more equitable and sustainable digital future, Christina Colclough advocates for a shift in data-and-cloud-computing practices, emphasizing the importance of a new digital ethos that prioritizes health, environment, and ethical considerations, over treating data as a mere resource to be exploited.
