How privacy can save your life | Carissa Véliz

Privacy & Security Risks - The lack of privacy can lead to abuses of power, threatening democracy and potentially endangering lives [1][10] - Excessive data collection and insufficient data deletion mechanisms amplify risks, as evidenced by historical events where registries were exploited to target vulnerable populations [4] - Location data, readily available from data brokers, can be used to track individuals, including high-profile figures, highlighting security vulnerabilities [9] - Surveillance technologies are not neutral; they inherently invite control and can transform analog activities into trackable, searchable, and taggable data, creating surveillance structures [14][16] - Digital systems are vulnerable to hacking, making data stored online unsafe despite assurances from institutions [22][23] Historical Context & Lessons - Historical examples, such as the Nazi regime's use of registries and the contrasting outcomes in France due to data protection policies, underscore the importance of privacy [2][7] - The Dutch experience during World War II highlights the dangers of excessive data collection and the inability to delete sensitive information in emergencies; 73% of the Jewish population was found and assassinated [4] - René Carmille's actions in modifying Hollerith machines to protect Jewish individuals during World War II demonstrate the impact of safeguarding personal data [26][27] Analog vs Digital - The analog world is more private and robust compared to the digital world, which is fragile and susceptible to surveillance [18][19] - Choosing digital over analog increases vulnerability to surveillance and hacking, making life more fragile [22] - Paper books are presented as a robust and respectful alternative to electronic books, which are subject to surveillance and control [18][19][20] Future of Privacy & Technology - The future of privacy and AI depends on designing technology that supports democracy, freedom, and well-being [28][29] - Technology is not neutral; its design reflects ethical choices, and better worlds are possible through ethical design [14][29] - Personal data should be treated as a toxic asset due to its dangers to individuals, communities, and democracies [27]