The Many Faces of the Data Infrastructure

Abstract

Governmental and corporate surveillance make extensive use of the data infrastructure, combined with individualised targeting, real-time experimentation, behavioural science, modelling, and control of the data and media environments. However, these bodies also use data for less sinister purposes, such as providing better services and products. This chapter looks briefly at the many social uses of the data infrastructure by different actors, including governments, corporations and intergovernmental agencies, as well as researchers and journalists. The idea is to frame and contextualise proactive data activism.