Big Data: Great Good or Big Brother
Two decades ago, the internet triggered ´the age of information´, where data became more valuable than gold. Governments and companies have valid reasons to compile information about people’s lives. However, their purposes are not always honest.
One of the main reasons why governments carry out this mass surveillance is because of prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences. Certainly, the recent high-profile cases of terrorism──the 9/11 attacks were the beginning of them ─ have provided them with the perfect excuse. Moreover, it is a way to champion the cause of law-abiding citizens. Furthermore, scientists and researchers use big data to solve complex issues relating to fields like environmental, biomedical and medical research, among others.
Nevertheless, there are considerable problems with the indiscriminate data collection. One consequence of it is the invasion of privacy. Information like ´where people are or what they do or like´ is steadily tracked and stored. What is more, personal data is a gold mine for companies which trade it, and as a result of it, people undergo customized search results and tailored advertising. Another downside is that citizens are treated as potential crime suspects every time they take a plane.
In conclusion, although gathering data has benefits, it has many disturbing disadvantages. Accordingly, I believe we should be more concerned about our online activity, because we are constantly being monitored, as Sting anticipated in 1983:´Every breath you take. Every move you make; I´ll be watching you´. (S.M)
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