Üsküdar Üniversitesi hosted the 11th International Communication Days, welcoming world-renowned academics. On the second day, the topic of “Digital Inequality and Data Colonialism” was thoroughly discussed with the participation of experts in the field.
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova from Moscow State University: “Social media is being added as a new function to media classification.”
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry from London School of Economics: “Historical colonialism did not end, and it became more sophisticated. Colonialism continues to evolve…”
Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias from State University of New York: “We are optimistic. We believe that efforts can reverse data colonialism.”
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Asrak Hasdemir from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi: “Personal data is being analyzed. This data is used by both governments and companies.”
Guest speakers who gave presentations within the scope of Üsküdar Üniversitesi's 11th International Communication Days expressed their findings on “Digital Inequality and Data Colonialism.”
On the second day of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova from Moscow State University delivered her presentation via live connection from Moscow, during the session chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahar Muratoğlu Pehlivan from Üsküdar Üniversitesi.
No equality in internet access…
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova stated that digital media and technology contribute to countries and societies evolving to a different dimension, explaining that there is no equality in internet access among societies worldwide, in addition to poverty, inequality, and unequal access to education, and that there are still regions without internet access.
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova, who expressed that traditional media is affected by digital change and transformation and that changes in media terminology have begun, also said that digital platforms offer a new infrastructure to traditional media.
Advertising models have also changed and transformed with new media
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova also noted that digital platforms form the core of new media systems, explaining that advertising models have changed and transformed with new media, and many economic activities take place through these platforms.
Stating that new data is being produced in the media field, Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova said, “Content circulates on very different media channels. Podcasts, short videos, and many other types of content contribute to the formation of new data. Traditional media approaches cannot serve the needs of the era in the media industry. Social media is also being added as a new function to media classification.”
Contribution to the data economy is provided
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova also noted that all these developments bring new challenges to traditional media, adding that thought leaders, bloggers, and influencers fulfill their duties to society by working on new media channels.
Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova, who also stated that digital media offers a new social reality, unlike traditional media, said, “Digital media provides a significant impact on the development of civilization. Viewers and users of these media channels also contribute to the data economy.”
Emphasizing the importance of media literacy, Prof. Dr. Elena Vartanova added that states should offer media literacy courses in schools and universities.
Joint presentation from Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry and Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry from the London School of Economics and Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias from the State University of New York gave a joint presentation.
Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias stated that the internet now collects more data, saying, “We are talking about the capture of data and the use of personal data. There are similarities and differences between historical colonialism and data colonialism. What is common in all these colonialisms is dispossession.”
Noting that artificial intelligence seeks and collects data from all parts of human culture, Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias said that there is no such thing as generative artificial intelligence, but rather that information produced worldwide is used.
“Victims of traditional colonialism will pay even greater prices today due to data colonialism”
Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias said, “We can filter content on social media platforms and YouTube. There is some content that our children or we do not want to watch, and humanity as a whole should not see it.”
Stating that people's mental health can be damaged due to cyberbullying, Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias said, “The victims of traditional colonialism will pay even greater prices today due to data colonialism.”
Prof. Dr. Ulises A. Mejias, pointing out the disadvantages of the system in digital platforms, said, “We believe that pushing data out of colonialism is a cultural and public project. We are confident that if we can stand against data colonialism, we will be able to establish justice. We are optimistic. We believe that efforts can reverse data colonialism.”
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry: “Colonialism continues to evolve”
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry, stating that artificial intelligence creates a zone of knowledge and obtains this information from what humanity collectively produces, said, “Historical colonialism did not end, it became more sophisticated. Colonialism continues to evolve, and currently, data colonialism is at stake.”
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry also stated that data colonialism is a collaborative initiative between states and large corporations worldwide, explaining that states implement services such as smart health systems and smart borders with large companies.
Prof. Dr. Nick Couldry stated that large companies constantly collect data from around the world, and even tractors working in the field now report land data, noting that with the collected data, human life has become a factor in the capitalist order.
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Asrak Hasdemir: “Geography is important. I want to send greetings to Palestine”
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Asrak Hasdemir from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi also stated in her presentation, “Geography is important. There is a war in our geography. I want to send greetings to Palestine. There were different demonstrations around the world. There was also a demonstration in the central cities of Europe, in Amsterdam. We gathered there in the center with the Palestinian flag and called for peace.”
“A lot of data is being collected, processed, and used to influence decision-making processes”
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Asrak Hasdemir stated that the importance of data has been mentioned recently, and noted the following:
“In the last century, societies have undergone a transformation, and especially with the use of digital technologies, we see that the data field is collected at the center of this transformation. A lot of data is being collected, processed, and used to influence decision-making processes. This is used in different fields and sectors. It is used especially by policymakers, academics, community leaders, and various individuals.
“There is a concern for personal privacy”
If we look at this process from a critical perspective, we can see different concerns. Especially, there is a concern for personal privacy. Because all data is collected. Personal data is also analyzed. This means the violation of individuals' property rights. Data is used by both governments and companies. This also means mass surveillance.”