Cory Doctorow's "Careless People" argues that the prevailing narrative around privacy violations blames victims for being "careless" with their data. This framing shifts responsibility away from the systems and corporations that collect, exploit, and leak data, obscuring the underlying power imbalance. Doctorow contends that focusing on individual carelessness ignores the systemic issues of surveillance capitalism and the commodification of personal data. He uses the Streisand Effect and the case of Ashley Madison as examples of how blaming victims for data breaches diverts attention from the true culprits and normalizes intrusive data practices. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus from individual responsibility to systemic accountability for data protection.
Doctorow's essay, entitled "Careless People," meticulously dissects the escalating phenomenon of pervasive surveillance and data collection, focusing on the consequential chilling effect it exerts on individual expression and behavior. He posits that the relentless accumulation of personal information, facilitated by ubiquitous digital technologies and exacerbated by a societal drift towards increased monitoring, fosters an environment of self-censorship, wherein individuals preemptively curtail their actions and utterances for fear of potential repercussions. This anticipatory conformity, he argues, erodes the very foundations of a free and open society, stifling dissent, hindering creativity, and ultimately diminishing the vibrancy of public discourse.
The author elaborates on this concept by exploring the psychological impact of constant observation, drawing parallels to the well-documented observer effect in scientific experimentation. He suggests that the mere awareness of being watched, even in the absence of explicit prohibitions or sanctions, subtly influences behavior, leading individuals to unconsciously conform to perceived norms and expectations. This pervasive sense of being scrutinized, Doctorow contends, creates a chilling effect analogous to the Streisand Effect, where attempts to suppress information paradoxically amplify its dissemination. However, in this context, the chilling effect operates preemptively, suppressing not the spread of existing information, but rather the genesis of novel thoughts, ideas, and expressions.
Furthermore, Doctorow examines the role of platform capitalism in exacerbating this trend. He argues that the business models of large technology companies, predicated on the extraction and monetization of user data, incentivize the collection of ever-increasing amounts of personal information. This insatiable appetite for data fuels the development of increasingly sophisticated surveillance technologies, further intensifying the sense of being watched and amplifying the chilling effect on individual behavior. The essay concludes with a call for greater awareness of this insidious process of self-censorship and a renewed commitment to safeguarding privacy and protecting freedom of expression in the digital age. The author stresses the importance of resisting the normalization of constant surveillance and advocating for policies and practices that prioritize individual autonomy and the right to a private life.
Summary of Comments ( 302 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43780363
Hacker News users discuss Doctorow's concept of "zuckering," where platforms manipulate users by changing the rules without notice, making it difficult to maintain a consistent online presence. Several commenters agree with Doctorow's assessment, citing examples of platforms like Twitter and Facebook altering algorithms and features, negatively impacting users and businesses. Some highlight the powerlessness users feel and the lack of viable alternatives. The idea of embracing impermanence and distributing content across multiple platforms is also discussed as a potential mitigation strategy. A few commenters express skepticism, suggesting that platforms are merely responding to market forces and user preferences, and that "zuckering" is an overblown characterization of these changes.
The Hacker News post titled "Careless People," linking to a Pluralistic article about the Streisand Effect and the "ZDGA mindset," generated a moderate discussion with several interesting points.
Several commenters discussed the practicalities and nuances of the "ZDGA" (Zero Data Given About Anything) mindset. One commenter pointed out the difficulty of truly achieving ZDGA, especially for those with families and interconnected lives. They highlighted the tension between protecting one's own privacy and the potential exposure created by others sharing information about them. Another user expanded on this, mentioning the increasing difficulty of maintaining privacy in an interconnected world with pervasive data collection. They expressed concern about the future and the potential for "algorithmic tyranny" based on accumulated data.
The conversation also touched on the Streisand Effect itself, with one commenter mentioning its connection to attempts to suppress information online. They argued that the desire to control information can backfire spectacularly, especially in the digital age. Another user sarcastically commented on the irony of discussing privacy on a platform like Hacker News, which by its nature involves sharing information publicly.
A few comments focused on specific aspects of online privacy, like the use of VPNs and the importance of minimizing one's digital footprint. One commenter suggested practical steps like using a VPN, paying for services with cash when possible, and avoiding social media.
One commenter provided an alternative perspective, suggesting that the focus shouldn't solely be on individual privacy but also on holding powerful entities accountable for their data collection practices. They argued that systemic change is necessary alongside individual efforts to protect privacy.
The thread also saw a brief discussion of the legal implications of data collection and the potential for future regulations to protect individual privacy.
While the discussion wasn't exceptionally lengthy or in-depth, it explored various facets of the ZDGA mindset, the Streisand Effect, and the challenges of maintaining privacy in the digital age. The comments offered practical advice, philosophical considerations, and concerns about the future of data privacy.