People need to be given control over their own data from "summary" of Who Owns the Future? by Jaron Lanier
The idea that people need to be given control over their own data is a fundamental one in the digital age. When individuals lack control over their personal information, they are essentially powerless in the face of powerful tech companies and governments. These entities can use data about individuals to manipulate them, make decisions on their behalf, and ultimately profit at their expense. Without control over their data, individuals become mere sources of information to be harvested and exploited. This dynamic is not only unfair, but it also undermines the very essence of democracy and freedom. When individuals are no longer in control of their own information, they lose the ability to shape their own destinies and make informed choices. Giving people control over their data means empowering them to decide how their information is collected, used, and shared. It means ensuring that individuals have the right to access, correct, and delete their data as they see fit. In essence, it means treating data as a form of property that belongs to the individual, rather than as a commodity to be bought and sold by others. By giving people control over their data, we can create a more equitable and just society. When individuals have ownership of their information, they are better able to protect their privacy, assert their rights, and hold powerful entities accountable. Moreover, when individuals have control over their data, they are more likely to benefit from the economic value that their information generates.- Giving people control over their data is not just a matter of individual rights or economic fairness. It is a matter of safeguarding the very fabric of our society and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. Only by recognizing and upholding the importance of data control can we truly build a more just and democratic future.
