¿Por qué me vigilan, si no soy nadie? | Marta Peirano | TEDxMadrid

Summary

This script discusses the pervasive nature of data collection in modern society, highlighting the case of Malte Spitz, who obtained extensive records of his personal data from Deutsche Telekom. It illustrates how mobile phones and technology create a digital footprint that can be monitored and manipulated, emphasizing the importance of privacy and the use of encryption to protect against unforeseen vulnerabilities in an increasingly surveilled world.

Takeaways

• 🔒 We often underestimate the amount of personal data we generate daily and the potential risks associated with it.
• 💡 The value of our personal information is often underappreciated, despite its potential for misuse.
• 🌐 The misconception that only powerful agencies like the NSA pose a threat to our privacy is debunked; we are our own biggest threat by living 'in glass houses'.
• 📝 Malte Spitz's experience with Deutsche Telekom highlights the extent of data retention, where he received a CD with over 30,000 lines of data about his communications.
• 📈 The EU's Data Retention Directive mandates that telecom companies store user data for a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years, showing the legal framework for data collection.
• 🗺️ Data visualization can turn raw data into a detailed 'diary' of a person's life, revealing intimate details about their daily activities and movements.
• 📱 Mobile phones constantly 'ping' the nearest antenna every five minutes, creating a digital trail of our whereabouts and activities.
• 👥 The collective data from individuals can be used to monitor and manipulate crowds, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian government's actions during a protest.
• 👀 Surveillance is not only through mobiles but also through computers, cameras, and other tracking devices, creating a comprehensive profile of individuals.
• 🛒 Companies like Wal-Mart collect personal data through reward cards, providing insights into consumers' habits and preferences.
• 🛡️ The use of cryptography and privacy tools like Tor is encouraged to protect ourselves from the unintended consequences of pervasive surveillance.

Q & A

What are the three mistakes people make regarding their information according to the speaker?

The three mistakes are underestimating the quantity of information we produce daily, depreciating the value of that information, and thinking that our main problem is a distant and super powerful agency like the NSA.

Who is Malte Spitz and what did he request from his telephone company?

Malte Spitz is a member of the German Green Party. In 2009, he requested his telephone company, Deutsche Telekom, to send him all the data they had on him.

What was the outcome of Malte Spitz's request for his data from Deutsche Telekom?

After two lawsuits, Deutsche Telekom sent Malte Spitz a CD with an Excel table containing 30,832 lines of data, covering a period from September 2009 to February 2010.

What is the significance of the six-month data period provided to Malte Spitz?

The six-month period is significant because it aligns with the European Union's Data Retention Directive, which mandates that telephone companies with more than 10,000 clients keep the data of all their clients for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years.

How was the vast amount of data Malte Spitz received processed and visualized?

Malte Spitz sent the data to a weekly magazine, which then contacted a data visualization agency to create a comprehensive map of his life, incorporating public information such as his Twitter and blog posts.

What kind of insights can be derived from the data visualization of Malte Spitz's life?

The data visualization provides insights into Malte's daily activities, such as when he catches a train, where he stays, when he eats, sleeps, takes a flight, who calls him, and the duration of calls, as well as messages received.

How often does a mobile phone communicate with the nearest antenna, and what information does it exchange?

A mobile phone communicates with the nearest antenna every five minutes, sending a 'ping' to check for emails, WhatsApp messages, or any updates from the world.

What is the potential impact of the data collected by mobile phones on privacy and surveillance?

The data collected by mobile phones can be used for surveillance, revealing personal habits, locations, and interactions, making individuals vulnerable to privacy invasion and potentially affecting their freedom and safety.

How can the data from mobile phones be used to monitor and control crowds during public gatherings?

Data from mobile phones can be used to identify who is present at a public gathering, track their movements, and even isolate influential individuals by disrupting their mobile network connectivity.

What is the historical precedent mentioned in the script that highlights the dangers of data collection?

The script refers to the Dutch census that included information about religious affiliations, which was later used by the Nazis during World War II, resulting in a low survival rate among Dutch Jews.

What is the speaker's recommendation for individuals to protect their privacy in the digital age?

The speaker recommends using cryptography in mobiles, communications, and computers, and advises caution when accepting reward cards or services that require personal data. Additionally, the speaker suggests using tools like Tor for internet browsing to enhance privacy.