Open to Debate Innovation or Intrusion: The Big Data Debate
Jan 23, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Carissa Véliz, an Associate Professor at Oxford known for her critique of data privacy, clashes with Kenneth Cukier, Deputy Executive Editor at The Economist and a big data advocate. Carissa passionately argues that mass surveillance undermines democracy and privacy, while Kenneth counters by highlighting how big data drives innovation in medicine and science. They tackle issues like data biases, regulation, and the ethical ramifications of technology, ultimately debating whether data serves as a tool for progress or a threat to freedom.
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Surveillance Funds The Data Economy
- Mass surveillance funds the internet and concentrates power in private companies.
- Carissa Véliz warns this level of intrusion erodes privacy and the pillars of liberal democracy.
Data As The Basis For Reason
- Data is empirical evidence that enables reasoned decisions and scientific breakthroughs.
- Kenneth Cukier argues we have a moral obligation to apply data to improve society.
Data And Math Aren't Neutral
- Data and math carry biases and are shaped by historical and political contexts.
- Carissa Véliz argued statistics were developed by bureaucrats and are not value-neutral.
