Surveillance Capitalism and the Global South

• In Event: Disturbances, Recreation, and Renovation of Labor: AI, Robots, Platforms, and Algorithms - II

Abstract

Surveillance capitalism is a global phenomenon, with ramifications around the world and different implications for specific regions, and depending on social and cultural contexts. It grows in places of weak urban regulation (Uber, Airbnb), low investments in education and infrastructure (Google Suite for Education), and preys on the labour market. The leading companies of surveillance capitalism are based in the Global North, but a relevant share of its prosumer base is in the Global South, which is a phenomenon that should be understood in parallel with neoliberal policies and economic austerity measures. To better understand the success, complexity and challenges posed by surveillance capitalism it is necessary to investigate its global operations, its partnership with local actors and how its tools, services and platforms become desirable, preferable, useful or essential in local contexts. Some specific cases and examples will be presented together with a proposed research framework and some preliminary hypothesis. The concept of surveillance capitalism (coined by Shoshana Zuboff) will be discussed and challenged having in mind other contexts that are not of the Western Liberal Democracies. The process of extraction of knowledge and value from labor within the context of surveillance capitalism will be discussed.

Author

• Rafael Evangelista, Unicamp - University of Campinas