Data Cartels: The Companies That Control and Monopolize Our Information

Information hoarding businesses dominate our digital world, perpetuating social inequalities and threatening the democratic sharing of knowledge. They control data and informational resources, exploiting outdated information and privacy laws, amplifying digital racism, and distributing private information to predatory entities. This is perfectly legal due to privatization and tech exceptionalism, and Lamdan calls for treating information like a public good and creating digital infrastructure that supports democratic ideals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the digital realm, data holds immense power, with a select few companies controlling the majority of our vital informational resources. These companies, often disguised as data analytics or business solutions operations, wield their control over data to hinder the free flow of information, exploit outdated privacy laws, and manipulate online content to perpetuate digital racism and target marginalized communities. Moreover, they can sell private information to predatory entities, all of which is legal due to the lack of effective legal regulation.

In her book, Lamdan argues that privatization and tech exceptionalism have hindered the creation of effective legal regulations, leading to the consolidation of oversized information oligopolies. To address this issue, she advocates for treating information as a public good and implementing digital infrastructure that upholds democratic ideals.

Furthermore, Lamdan suggests specific legal and market-based solutions to address the power imbalance created by the concentration of data. These include promoting transparency and accountability in data practices, strengthening consumer protection laws, and implementing regulations that prevent the misuse of data for political purposes.

In conclusion, data is power, and the control of it by a few companies threatens the democratic sharing of knowledge and perpetuates social inequalities. Lamdan's book provides a compelling argument for treating information as a public good and implementing digital infrastructure that supports our democratic ideals. By addressing the power imbalance created by the concentration of data, we can create a more equitable and inclusive digital world.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 229 x 151 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503633711