I like this post because it does a couple of things: Firstly it shows how the ‘data mindset’ works, how a good analyst just looks at data from completely different angles to the average person. Secondly what WhatsApp can do with the trail of data you leave behind. Yet, I am less keen because the post sets up the premise of being able to sell personal data. Personal data is only valuable in aggregate, as an atom it is practically worthless, you’ll be lucky to make tens of dollars for a years data. But I do like it because it also brings up the topic of bias in AI which I see as society’s next challenge in adopting all the new technology.
Florian, what makes you stay away from WhatsApp or Facebook applications?
“It is the collection of metadata, Florian explains. Starting from which page you visit, to the content you read. Whatsapp knows who do you reply always without delay or who do you message when you are drunk. He says that it used to take an enormous amount of manpower to analyse all the metadata. Now with artificial intelligence, there is an endless amount of possibilities to build a profile out of your metadata in a split second.”
Should individuals also get a share of the profits made with data? In other words, should you sell your data?
Florian likes the idea of having more control as an end-user. Anyways, we have always shared information, he says. When you go to a physical shop, a shopkeeper evaluates you based on what you wear, which car you drive, and so on. He will then sell you accordingly. Florian says that similarly, he is ready to give information to a bookshop to get good book deals. Provided, he gets to choose what information is shared.
On a call with a telecom operator executive— should you sell your data? by Sanna Totopainen on Medium.com