What about Big Data?

For those who are attached to privacy, they are particularly threatening. But big data can predict trends in society and thereby make it a bit safer. However, the question is: should everything that can also be? Do we have to socially accept everything? Privacy and (social) acceptance are two important elements we have to take into consideration when we talk about big data.

We can all agree that there is a lot to win with the use of big data and big data analytics. There have been many cases in different settings where the use of Big Data has paid off. But at the same time, so much about the impact of big data remains unclear. What role do consumers or businesses take? How do different countries think about big data and privacy, and which models work and do not? What are the principles? But above all, how do you ensure that user privacy remains safeguarded while at the same time raises no unnecessary thresholds to the opportunities of big data for both society and the economy?

Take the following example for instance; when you see someone walking down the street with a crowbar, you won’t find it strange if a policeman would ask that man or woman what he or she is planning to do with that crowbar. Does the same apply if, according to data from stores or banks, someone has bought an alarm clock at Hema and fertilizer at the garden center? The police may conclude that that person is planning to make a bomb. However, are those facts sufficient to conduct a research? Another question is whether everything that is technically possible, may also socially acceptable?

Regardless of different views people take on this subject, it is of great importance to outline the scenarios for the near future in the political and social debate to keep continuing to exploit the full potential of big data.