Carissa Véliz, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and author of "Privacy is Power," delves into the complexities of data privacy and surveillance. She discusses the dangers of authoritarian surveillance systems and the ethical implications of mass data collection. Véliz highlights historical contexts, such as WWII, to illustrate the consequences of data misuse. The conversation also covers the urgent need for regulation in AI and practical steps individuals can take to safeguard their privacy in a digital age.
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insights INSIGHT
Data as Power
Data is power in the digital age, offering potential for profit and prediction.
This power can be exploited by companies and governments to influence behavior and undermine equality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Virginia Man Example
Carissa Véliz's friend, a data analyst in training, demonstrated data's power by profiling a random man in Virginia.
He uncovered sensitive details like the man's affair and medical condition without his knowledge.
insights INSIGHT
Corporate vs. Government Surveillance
The biggest privacy threats come from corporations collecting data for profit, not just governments.
This corporate surveillance often becomes government surveillance as they share data, blurring the lines between the two.
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In 'The Tyranny of Merit', Michael J. Sandel argues that the current system of meritocracy has led to significant social and political issues. He contends that meritocracy stratifies society into winners and losers, based largely on economic status and educational credentials, resulting in hubris among the successful and resentment and humiliation among those who are not. Sandel suggests that this system ignores the role of luck and external factors in success and instead attributes success solely to individual talent and hard work. He advocates for a new way of thinking about success, one that is more attentive to the role of luck, more conducive to an ethic of humility and solidarity, and more affirming of the dignity of all work. The book also explores the impact of credentialism and the need to restore dignity to work that does not require a college degree, promoting a politics of the common good[1][3][5].
Power
Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t
Jeffrey Pfeffer
In this book, Jeffrey Pfeffer provides insightful and often counterintuitive advice on how power is successfully built and maintained in organizations. Drawing from his extensive experience in consulting and teaching, Pfeffer argues that power is not just for a select few but can be harnessed by anyone. The book dispels the myth that power is only for those in charge and instead reveals the true paths to career success, emphasizing the importance of personal networks, reputation, and effective social interactions. Pfeffer uses numerous examples from various countries and industries to illustrate his points, making the book an essential organizational survival manual and a new standard in the field of leadership and management.
Privacy is Power
Reclaiming Democracy in the Digital Age
Carissa Véliz
In 'Privacy is Power', Carissa Véliz exposes how the data economy erodes our privacy, highlighting the ways in which tech companies and governments harvest and exploit personal data. The book argues that this erosion of privacy undermines our autonomy and democracy, and it provides practical solutions for policymakers and ordinary citizens to take back control. Véliz emphasizes that privacy is both a personal and collective issue, and that protecting it is crucial for maintaining free choices and democratic societies.
Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians.
TRIGGERnometry 
