In today’s world, data drives nearly every aspect of AI-powered technology. From recognizing patterns to making predictions and decisions, data forms the foundation of this digital era. While data enables remarkable advancements, it also brings significant risks -- especially when it involves personal information. Every tap on a smartphone, silly text message or Google search for questions too embarrassing to ask aloud contributes to an ever-expanding digital footprint. This data, paired with advanced analytics, fuels industries like marketing and product development, generating immense profits. However, the unchecked use of personal data and pervasive data collection raises serious concerns about privacy and control.
Cultural attitudes toward privacy vary widely across countries, and South Korea stands out for its notably low awareness of personal data protection. A recent survey by NordVPN ranked South Koreans among the least vigilant globally, scoring just 46 out of 100 in a privacy awareness test -- far below the global average of 61. Many Koreans regard privacy disclaimers and consent forms as tedious formalities, often skipping the fine print and clicking “agree” without a second thought. This sentiment is echoed by my graduate students, who often express a strikingly casual attitude: “Why bother reading it? I just scroll down quickly and tap yes -- it’s a waste of time.” Some even contend that privacy concerns are unnecessary if they have nothing to hide.
This casual attitude reflects a broader national trend. The popular notion that "if you’ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear" oversimplifies a much deeper issue. Many people fail to understand what constitutes personal information or the long-term consequences of unregulated data sharing. For instance, signing up for a cable TV subscription one day and receiving a telemarketing call the next day is no coincidence -- it’s a direct result of pervasive data collection and sharing practices that are often overlooked.
To illuminate the essence of privacy, Neil Richards, a law professor at Washington University, shares compelling insights. He argues that privacy is fundamentally about power, with information serving as a key source of control. The more data governments and corporations collect, the greater their ability to influence our lives. Protecting privacy acts as a check on this power, restricting how much they can know about us. For instance, social media platforms employ algorithms to deliver tailored content, subtly shaping opinions and behaviors -- whether to drive a purchase or sway a political decision.
Daniel Solove, a law professor at George Washington University, adds another dimension by highlighting privacy’s role in safeguarding intellectual freedom. He explains that privacy enables people to explore controversial ideas without fear of surveillance or judgment. Furthermore, privacy, Solove notes, relieves individuals from the exhausting burden of constantly justifying or explaining their actions to others who may lack full context and offers second chances to grow beyond past mistakes. For example, a thoughtless social media post from one’s youth should not define their future. Ultimately, Solove argues, privacy is not just about secrecy; it’s about dignity, autonomy and the ability to live authentically.
Yuval Harari, a history professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, raises a pressing privacy issue in the age of artificial intelligence. He warns that algorithms, powered by pervasive data collection, which already shape our choices in entertainment and shopping, could soon dictate major life decisions such as education, relationships and even political preferences. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Harari warns of the growing ability of corporations and governments to "hack human beings" by collecting massive amounts of personal data. Currently, this data primarily captures surface-level behaviors through pervasive data collection -- where we go, what we buy and what we search online. However, Harari predicts an imminent shift: the ability to monitor what happens inside our bodies and brains using biometrics. He stresses that the integration of advanced AI, machine learning and breakthroughs in biology -- particularly brain science -- paves the way for unprecedented control. He describes this as a "big watershed," bringing humanity closer to a reality where feelings, choices and even thoughts can be deeply understood and manipulated.
On a personal level, these concerns feel strikingly real every time YouTube recommends a video clip or Coupang suggests what to buy next. Sometimes, these algorithms seem to know me better than I know myself. They suggest things I didn’t even realize I wanted, nudging me toward purchases or activities with uncanny precision. While the convenience is undeniable, it’s also unsettling. Who should decide what I watch, buy, or think about -- me or an algorithm? Privacy, at its core, isn’t just about keeping secrets; it’s about owning our choices and claiming the freedom to chart our own course. It’s the journey I choose to embark on, guided by my own desires and decisions. If we surrender this control, even to the most advanced algorithms, we risk losing something far greater than convenience: we lose ourselves.
Lim Woong
Lim Woong is a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Yonsei University in Seoul. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. -- Ed.
