Data Grab

Data Grab, authored by Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias, presents a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time: the commodification and exploitation of personal data by Big Tech companies. This riveting book delves into the intricate details of how our online lives are transformed into an industry of control and profit, drawing parallels to historical forms of colonialism that exploited land and resources. A must-read for anyone concerned about privacy, digital rights, and the future of democracy in the digital age.

As the authors illustrate, the conquest of personal data mirrors the past era of colonial land grabs. In the not-so-distant past, colonial powers took control of lands, exploited labour, and claimed ownership of natural resources, all under the guise of modernisation and civilisation, but ultimately aimed at control and profit. Similarly, in today's world, giant tech corporations are seizing data—our modern natural resource—using it to manipulate views, track movements, and monitor conversations.

Data Grab explains how this new form of colonialism is hidden behind the digital veil, where innocuous clicks on 'Accept' for Terms and Conditions agreements provide these tech giants with unfettered access to our most intimate details. Our data is stored indefinitely, repackaged, and utilised to control and manipulate us in multifaceted ways.

This searing, cutting-edge guide is penned by two pioneering global researchers, Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias, who introduced the concept of data colonialism. Through their incisive analysis, they reveal how our current practices reflect a disturbing continuity with historical forms of exploitation and control. The book not only provides a critical understanding of our emerging digital future but also offers empowering strategies to fight back against this modern form of colonial control.

For fans of Shoshana Zuboff's The Age of Surveillance Capitalism and those who resonate with Yuval Harari's warnings about threats to humanity, Data Grab provides a comprehensive playbook for reclaiming agency and privacy in a world where data is the new oil. Join Couldry and Mejias as they navigate this complex landscape, offering insights that are both enlightening and liberating.