Data-centric Living: Algorithms, Digitization and Regulation

This book explores how data about our everyday online behaviour are collected and how they are processed in various ways by algorithms powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The book investigates the socioeconomic effects of these technologies, and the evolving regulatory landscape that is aiming to nurture the positive effects of these technology evolutions while at the same time curbing possible negative practices. The volume scrutinizes growing concerns on how algorithmic decisions can sometimes be biased and discriminative; how autonomous systems can possibly disrupt and impact the labour markets, resulting in job losses in several traditional sectors while creating unprecedented opportunities in others; the rapid evolution of social media that can be addictive at times resulting in associated mental health issues; and the way digital Identities are evolving around the world and their impact on provisioning of government services. The book also provides an in-depth understanding of regulations around the world to protect privacy of data subjects in the online world; a glimpse of how data is used as a digital public good in combating Covid pandemic; and how ethical standards in autonomous systems are evolving in the digital world. A timely intervention in this fast-evolving field, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of digital humanities, business and management, internet studies, data sciences, political studies, urban sociology, law, media and cultural studies, sociology, cultural anthropology, and science and technology studies. It will also be of immense interest to the general readers seeking insights on daily digital lives. Review "This book is an essential read for anyone seeking a scholarly understanding of what it means to live, work and socialize in an increasingly data-driven world. Professor Sridhar and his international team have achieved a difficult feat―to engage deeply and thoughtfully with the issues, while also ranging widely across knowledge domains from technology and algorithms, to privacy, healthcare and regulation." Krishna Jayakar, Penn State University, U.S.A. “This all-encompassing book touches every aspect of our lives with grace and thoughtfulness. Sridhar’s transitions, written with crisp prose, make the scholarship vivid.” Erran Carmel, American University, U.S.A. “Datafication is the new normal, and has impacts that we are only starting to understand. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to datafication across social domains, offering key insights about how to align its trajectory with public interest goals.” Hernan Galperin, University of Southern California, U.S.A. "Digitization is revolutionizing not only the economy but the entire society. This volume analyzes in depth, processes of datafication and its implications in different sectors; specific challenges with respect to privacy and access to digital services; and possible technological and regulatory solutions." Wolfgang Kerber, University of Marburg, Germany "The technological innovations of the 21st century is fundamentally changing the world and putting forth ethical questions in front of humanity. At this juncture, V Sridhar's work uses a much needed interdisciplinary approach and acts as a guiding light for technologists, policymakers and academics." Pradeep Mehta, Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) International, India About the Author V. Sridhar is Professor at the Centre for IT and Public Policy at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, India. He is the author of three previously published books: The Telecom Revolution in India: Technology, Regulation and Policy (2012), The Dynamics of Spectrum Management: Legacy, Technology, and Economics (2014), and Emerging ICT Policies and Regulations: Roadmap to Digital Economies (2019). Dr Sridhar has taught at many Institutions in the USA, Finland, New Z