The Computer for the 21st Century - Second Edition for Europe Open-source Projects, Consumer Activism, and Collaboration Will Make Privacy the Central Pillar of Innovation and Cause a Technology Industry Where Creative Ideas From Small Market Players Can Flourish

The privacy of personal data is a human right that is systematically violated in the computing industry, according to human rights organisations. The vision that technology would help society progress through more computing and more accumulation of personal data is now 30 years old. With the knowledge of today, such a vision would be different. Instead of violating a human right, technologists could use data minimisation as a central pillar of innovation. A compelling amount of evidence shows that the majority of consumers does not feel comfortable with being tracked or profiled. This paper analyses how this vision may be realised through a variety of projects and case examples. The conclusion is that technology without tracking, personal data collection, or personal data analysis, may gradually emerge as the dominant mode of innovation and computing over the next 30 years.

Automated summary

The privacy of personal data is considered as a human right that is often violated in the computing industry according to human rights organizations. The paper discusses the potential realization of a vision where technology prioritizes data minimization and respect for personal privacy. It concludes that technology without tracking, personal data collection, or personal data analysis may become the dominant mode of innovation and computing in the next 30 years.