In an era where data is the new gold, understanding the ethical implications of its use has never been more crucial. This curated selection of documentaries delves into the murky waters of data ethics, exploring how our personal information is harvested, manipulated, and sometimes misused. From the impact on privacy to the broader societal consequences, these films offer a thought-provoking look at the digital age's moral landscape. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about the world behind your screen, this collection provides a compelling insight into the ethics of data usage.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: This film delves into the world of WikiLeaks, examining the ethics of leaking classified information and the impact on data privacy and security.
Fact: The film was directed by Alex Gibney, known for his investigative documentaries.
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Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: This film examines the fine print we often ignore when signing up for online services, highlighting the ethical implications of our digital agreements.
Fact: The director, Cullen Hoback, also created the documentary "FrackNation."
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The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This film tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a programmer and activist who fought for open access to information, raising ethical questions about data ownership.
Fact: Aaron Swartz co-founded Reddit and was instrumental in developing RSS.
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Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about data ethics, this film about Edward Snowden's revelations on NSA surveillance raises profound questions about privacy and government overreach.
Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The Creepy Line (2018)
Description: This film critiques the power of Google and Facebook, examining how these tech giants manipulate data and influence public discourse.
Fact: The title refers to a quote by Eric Schmidt about the ethical line companies should not cross.
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The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: This documentary explores the unintended consequences of social media, focusing on how algorithms manipulate user behavior and the ethical dilemmas this creates.
Fact: It features interviews with former tech insiders from companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
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The Net (2016)
Description: While not a documentary, this film explores the dark side of the internet, including data breaches and identity theft, offering a narrative perspective on data ethics.
Fact: It was remade from the 1995 film of the same name, updating the story for the modern digital age.
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The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary uncovers the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how data was used to influence elections and manipulate public opinion. It's a stark reminder of the power of data in shaping our world.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
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Data Coup (2017)
Description: This documentary investigates the use of personal data in political campaigns, focusing on the ethical implications of micro-targeting voters.
Fact: It was produced by the same team behind "The Great Hack."
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Do Not Track (2015)
Description: An interactive documentary series that explores the ethics of online tracking and how our data is used by companies, offering a unique perspective on data privacy.
Fact: Viewers can participate in real-time data tracking experiments.
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