March 10: Technology and Society II: Surveillance and society

Surveillance

Living in a society where we are watched by cameras and people, but more so by the ubiquitous gathering of data.

Surveillance and Privacy

Surveillance attacks and undermines our privacy. Privacy is the ability to control information about yourself and protect who you are.

Sensor Society

A world where sensors are everywhere—in our phones, cars, streets, and appliances.

State Surveillance

How the government governs people through data systems; often used in military and border control to categorize people.

Surveillance Society

A society where the collection of personal data is a fundamental part of how the world is organized.

Everyday Surveillance

Surveillance built into our daily lives where companies target us as potential consumers.

The Quantified Self

Understanding ourselves through numbers, such as tracking steps, sleep, or heart rate.

Imagined Surveillance

When people change their behavior because they think they are being watched, even if they aren't sure.

PIPEDA (2000)

Canadian legislation that governs how private companies collect and use your data.

The Privacy Act (1983)

Canadian legislation that governs how the federal government handles your personal information.

AI and the Military

The use of AI to automate combat, identify targets, and monitor borders, raising massive ethical concerns.

Eavesmining

The gathering of data through listening; smart speakers (like Alexa or Siri) listen to you and data-mine at the same time.

Voice-Activated Assistants (VAPAs)

Tools like Siri or Alexa that use voice recognition to perform tasks while constantly gathering data on you.