Surveillance Studies Centre, Queen's University / Surveillance Studies Centre, Université Queen’s

Published purpose

The researchers behind this project propose that the model of “surveillance capitalism” is already out of date. Sparked partly by the demands of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), they argue that we are seeing the emergence of new models of marketing using open-source intelligence, more time- or topic-limited types of personal data, and AI models, particularly Deep Learning. These models may not use less data but they do use data that is claimed to be less personally identifiable, while generating more lucrative outcomes for their marketing users. The project thus asks five questions: 1. How do these models work? 2. How widespread is their use already? 3. Are the claims of their advocates justified, and what are the implications for privacy? 4. Are Canada’s current privacy laws and regulations capable of dealing with these models and their privacy implications? 5. What changes to law and regulation might be needed to do so? The purpose of this project, in producing a report, technological walk-throughs and regulatory scenarios, is to increase knowledge and understanding within government, Parliament, and regulators of the actual and potential future practices of corporations regarding the collection, use and analysis of data, how these practices affect life chances and choices, and what options are available to protect human rights, particularly privacy.