The Second Chamber debated about the cookie-law, discussing amongst others that individual citizens should become more aware of the implications of signing away their privacy rights on websites. It was remarked that the advertising industry has effectively become a mass surveillance industry.
Indeed, while a single individual may ‘have nothing to hide’, with information about many individuals, it becomes possible for AI to manipulate entire populations in companies, government organizations, and political parties. Advertising has always aimed to influence consumer behavior, but microtargeting allows them to get really, really good at it, and they are not only selling household products. Remember how Cambridge Analytica specialized in elections? It was just an early proof-of-concept. Soon AI with access to these large data lakes about our society will reach a maturity level that will give the science-fiction society manipulator Dr Seldon a run for his money.
Dr Seldon, I presume (economist.com)
The debate therefore should extend beyond the privacy of individuals, and also cover the privacy of entire organizations. Collective safeguards are needed to protect the privacy of our society, safeguards that transcend protecting the individual who ‘has nothing to hide’.
