If I were to describe 'Big Data is Watching You' by Bruce Hartman in one word, I would say clever. The author has taken our present internet and the algorithms that are used to ascertain what adverts to send your way and has extrapolated from that to a dystopian future where Goozle Inc runs everything, and if you start behaving outside of your expected parameters, you’re in trouble. English® and every possible combination of words has been copyrighted and the only law is the Terms of Service, which has been replaced by the Terms of Servitude. And who runs this world? Caesar and Emperor Omnipotent (CEO) of Goozle Inc, of course. In this future society of Goozle Earth®, the words ‘Big Data is Watching You’ have become a reassuring platitude that reminds the citizens that Big Data (God) is looking after you. So long as you’re being watched, you’re okay. No one questions that Big Data exists or that it’s omnipotent. Big Data knows everything and is behind everything, even Goozle Inc. … [Read more...]