In an age where data is king, understanding the intricacies of big data has never been more crucial. This curated list of documentaries delves into the fascinating world of big data, offering insights into its impact on society, technology, and ethics. From the power of algorithms to the privacy concerns they raise, these films provide a comprehensive look at how data influences our daily lives and future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a privacy advocate, or just curious about the digital world, this collection will enlighten and engage you.
Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: Focused on privacy issues, this documentary investigates how our personal data is collected, used, and sold by corporations, highlighting the often overlooked terms of service agreements.
Fact: The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival.
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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, touching on issues of data freedom and control.
Fact: The documentary was made available for free online, in line with Swartz's ideals.
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Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about big data, this documentary covers Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, which are deeply intertwined with data collection and privacy.
Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The Creepy Line (2018)
Description: Examining Google and Facebook's influence on society, this film discusses how these companies use big data to shape public opinion and behavior.
Fact: The title refers to a quote by Eric Schmidt about the ethical boundaries of technology.
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The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how big data was used to manipulate elections and public opinion. It's a chilling look at the power and potential misuse of data analytics.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. It features interviews with key figures involved in the scandal.
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The Human Face of Big Data (2014)
Description: This film examines the profound impact of big data on our lives, from health care to urban planning, showcasing both the benefits and the ethical dilemmas it presents.
Fact: The documentary was produced in collaboration with National Geographic and features stunning visuals to illustrate the scale of data.
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Do Not Track (2015)
Description: This interactive documentary series explores online tracking and the implications of our digital footprints, offering a personal journey through the world of data privacy.
Fact: Viewers can interact with the documentary, making choices that affect the narrative.
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Data Rush (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the race to control and monetize data, focusing on Silicon Valley's tech giants and their data-driven strategies.
Fact: It features interviews with key figures from the tech industry.
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Algorithmic Governance (2019)
Description: This documentary delves into how algorithms and big data are used in governance, exploring both the efficiency and the potential for bias and discrimination.
Fact: It was screened at various film festivals focusing on technology and society.
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The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2020)
Description: Based on Shoshana Zuboff's book, this documentary investigates how our personal data is harvested and used to predict and manipulate our behavior for profit.
Fact: The film features interviews with Zuboff herself, providing deep insights into her research.
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