Intelligence Squared Debate: We Must Stop Big Data's Pandemic Power Grab
Jun 17, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Nani Jansen Reventlow, a human rights lawyer and digital freedom advocate, faces off against Rowena Luk, a digital health consultant and former tech executive. They dive into whether big data's role during the pandemic has been beneficial or a dangerous power grab. Key topics include the ethical implications of data usage, privacy concerns, and the necessity for equitable approaches in public health. Both guests emphasize the importance of transparency and the need to protect marginalized communities amidst the digital evolution.
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COVID-19 App Effectiveness
- There's limited evidence of COVID-19 apps' effectiveness in controlling the pandemic's spread.
- Success stories like South Korea's are linked to pre-existing infrastructure and cultural practices rather than just apps.
Data's Power Dynamics
- The power and profit motives behind data collection raise concerns about who truly benefits.
- In healthcare, education, and public safety, these power structures often disadvantage ordinary citizens, especially the marginalized.
Data Breach Risks
- Data breaches are frequent, exposing personal information like in the recent Facebook breach involving 533 million users' data.
- Health data is highly valuable on the dark web, making its security paramount.