In recent years, information gleaned from the analysis of large data sets has led to scientific innovation, critical research, and advances that benefit society. Commercially, data mining and analytics have become a key aspect of efficient marketing and production practices. In addition, data collection and processing have become an important part of protecting consumers against fraud and other digital dangers.
New applications of data have been made possible through recent advances in technology, resulting in the ability to store, collect, and process larger amounts of data. Moreover, increased collection and processing capabilities, by a growing variety of actors, have served to increase the benefits of data. These advancements in big data mining use (“big data”) make it possible to discover relationships amidst seemingly unrelated pieces of information, yielding patterns and timely predictions. Big data is proving to be a significant source for innovation and social and economic advances.
However, the use of big data has also created new privacy concerns. Users may either be unaware of how much information exists about them or the circumstances under which it was collected. Big data can allow actors to infer important information that goes beyond the scope of collection. Furthermore, it is not always clear how this information is used. Some are concerned that applications of big data could lead to circumstances of profiling, discrimination, exclusion, or loss of user control.
Due to these concerns, big data considerations should focus on maximizing its benefits while limiting privacy concerns.
For an analysis of the relationship between data use and privacy, see Omer Tene and Jules Polonetsky’s article, “Privacy in the Age of Big Data: A Time for Big Decisions.”