Data Privacy Documentaries: A Must-Watch Collection

Description: This film provides an in-depth look at WikiLeaks, its founder Julian Assange, and the impact of their leaks on global politics and data privacy.

Fact: The documentary includes interviews with Assange, Chelsea Manning, and other key figures involved in the leaks.

Description: This documentary examines how corporations collect, use, and sell our personal data, often hidden in the fine print of terms of service agreements we rarely read.

Fact: It features interviews with privacy advocates like Mark Zuckerberg and Julian Assange, highlighting the pervasive nature of data collection.

Description: Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and internet activist, fought for open access to information, which led to his tragic end. This film explores his life, work, and the implications of his battle for data freedom.

Fact: The documentary was released under a Creative Commons license, reflecting Swartz's advocacy for open access.

Description: Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance programs are at the heart of this documentary, offering a firsthand account of one of the most significant leaks in history.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and it was directed by Laura Poitras, who was one of the first journalists Snowden contacted.

Description: Laura Poitras' follow-up to Citizenfour, this documentary focuses on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, exploring the personal and political risks of exposing government secrets.

Fact: The film was initially titled "Asylum" and was re-edited after its premiere at Cannes to reflect changes in Assange's situation.

Description: Focused on the Silk Road, this documentary delves into the dark web, exploring the implications of anonymity, privacy, and the battle between law enforcement and digital freedom.

Fact: It features interviews with Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, and explores the philosophical debate around privacy and freedom on the internet.

Description: Following the lives of hacktivists like Andrew "Weev" Auernheimer and Jeremy Hammond, this film explores the ethics of hacking for social justice and the fight against data surveillance.

Fact: It features a mix of interviews, archival footage, and animations to tell the story of these digital activists.

Description: This film explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how personal data was harvested from millions of Facebook profiles to influence elections. It's a chilling reminder of how data can be weaponized.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with key figures like Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee, and David Carroll, who sued Cambridge Analytica for his data.

Description: This documentary connects the dots between the Unabomber, the rise of the internet, and the counterculture of the 1960s, offering a unique perspective on data privacy and control.

Fact: It explores the influence of LSD on the development of the internet, linking counterculture to technology.

Description: This BBC series examines the impact of the internet on society, including episodes on privacy, surveillance, and the future of data.

Fact: It features interviews with key figures in the tech world like Bill Gates and Tim Berners-Lee, offering a broad perspective on the digital revolution.