Internet and Loss of Control in an Era of Big Data and Mass Surveillance

Abstract

This chapter describes certain developments in the internet economy and in communications on the internet that affect the safeguarding of privacy and data protection of individuals and identifies challenges for privacy and data protection on the internet. It depicts the internet as a single unfragmented space with a loose government structure. Freedom on the internet is a great good, yet it is under threat in a reality where big companies and governments exercise wide powers.