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Chat Control 2.0 -Ett säkerhetssamhälle eller övervakningssamhälle?

Alkabi, Dana LU and Bard, Lovisa LU (2023) STVA23 20231
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This paper explores the potential impact of the proposed EU chat control policy on the emergence of a surveillance society. By examining the theoretical frameworks of Michel Foucault's panopticon theory, David Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, and Shoshana Zuboff's concept of surveillance capitalism, insights are gained that can help answer the research question: "Does the EU's chat control policy contribute to the rise of a surveillance society?"

Drawing upon Foucault's panopticon theory, the analysis argues that the continuous monitoring and reporting requirements for online child sexual abuse create a structure reminiscent of a panopticon. Citizens may feel constantly surveilled and disciplined, leading to self-discipline... (More)
This paper explores the potential impact of the proposed EU chat control policy on the emergence of a surveillance society. By examining the theoretical frameworks of Michel Foucault's panopticon theory, David Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, and Shoshana Zuboff's concept of surveillance capitalism, insights are gained that can help answer the research question: "Does the EU's chat control policy contribute to the rise of a surveillance society?"

Drawing upon Foucault's panopticon theory, the analysis argues that the continuous monitoring and reporting requirements for online child sexual abuse create a structure reminiscent of a panopticon. Citizens may feel constantly surveilled and disciplined, leading to self-discipline and self-censorship that diminish individual autonomy and freedom.

Lyon's theory of the surveillance society adds another dimension by highlighting how data collection and technological surveillance are used as tools to maintain power relations. The EU's chat control policy grants private companies and authorities the authority to monitor and control individuals' online behavior, potentially resulting in a concentration of power and a reduction of individual privacy and autonomy. Private companies can exploit surveillance mechanisms through surveillance capitalism, further reinforcing the structures of the surveillance society.

Zuboff's theory of surveillance capitalism sheds light on how private companies can profit from the collection of user data. The EU's chat control policy presents an opportunity for companies to monetize the management of the issue of online sexual abuse. By collaborating with authorities and participating in the surveillance process, companies can integrate themselves into the surveillance society and leverage user data to drive their business models. This can lead to a further concentration of power and diminished individual freedom.

This research provides insights into how the EU's chat control policy may contribute to the emergence of a surveillance society by connecting theoretical perspectives and analyzing the contents of the regulation. Applying Foucault's panopticon theory highlights similarities between the policy's requirements for continuous monitoring and the structure of the panopticon, indicating the potential for increased social control and reduced individual freedom.
Applying Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, we discuss how data collection and technological surveillance can be used to maintain power relations. The EU's chat control policy grants private companies and authorities the power to monitor and control individuals' online behavior, potentially leading to increased centralization of power and reduced privacy.
Applying Zuboff's theory of surveillance capitalism, we also discuss how companies can profit from collected user data. The EU's chat control policy offers companies the opportunity to profit economically by addressing the issue of online sexual abuse, which can strengthen the structures of the surveillance society and lead to an increased concentration of power.

In conclusion, the research and analysis demonstrate that the EU's chat control policy has the potential to contribute to the emergence of a surveillance society. By applying theoretical perspectives such as Foucault's panopticon theory, Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, and Zuboff's concept of surveillance capitalism, we can understand the structures and mechanisms involved in the implementation of the regulation. Further research can deepen our understanding of the effects and consequences of surveillance capitalism on individual rights and privacy and help shape future policy decisions in a responsible and balanced manner. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
@misc{9115202,
  abstract     = {{This paper explores the potential impact of the proposed EU chat control policy on the emergence of a surveillance society. By examining the theoretical frameworks of Michel Foucault's panopticon theory, David Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, and Shoshana Zuboff's concept of surveillance capitalism, insights are gained that can help answer the research question: "Does the EU's chat control policy contribute to the rise of a surveillance society?"

Drawing upon Foucault's panopticon theory, the analysis argues that the continuous monitoring and reporting requirements for online child sexual abuse create a structure reminiscent of a panopticon. Citizens may feel constantly surveilled and disciplined, leading to self-discipline and self-censorship that diminish individual autonomy and freedom.

Lyon's theory of the surveillance society adds another dimension by highlighting how data collection and technological surveillance are used as tools to maintain power relations. The EU's chat control policy grants private companies and authorities the authority to monitor and control individuals' online behavior, potentially resulting in a concentration of power and a reduction of individual privacy and autonomy. Private companies can exploit surveillance mechanisms through surveillance capitalism, further reinforcing the structures of the surveillance society.

Zuboff's theory of surveillance capitalism sheds light on how private companies can profit from the collection of user data. The EU's chat control policy presents an opportunity for companies to monetize the management of the issue of online sexual abuse. By collaborating with authorities and participating in the surveillance process, companies can integrate themselves into the surveillance society and leverage user data to drive their business models. This can lead to a further concentration of power and diminished individual freedom.

This research provides insights into how the EU's chat control policy may contribute to the emergence of a surveillance society by connecting theoretical perspectives and analyzing the contents of the regulation. Applying Foucault's panopticon theory highlights similarities between the policy's requirements for continuous monitoring and the structure of the panopticon, indicating the potential for increased social control and reduced individual freedom.
Applying Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, we discuss how data collection and technological surveillance can be used to maintain power relations. The EU's chat control policy grants private companies and authorities the power to monitor and control individuals' online behavior, potentially leading to increased centralization of power and reduced privacy.
Applying Zuboff's theory of surveillance capitalism, we also discuss how companies can profit from collected user data. The EU's chat control policy offers companies the opportunity to profit economically by addressing the issue of online sexual abuse, which can strengthen the structures of the surveillance society and lead to an increased concentration of power.

In conclusion, the research and analysis demonstrate that the EU's chat control policy has the potential to contribute to the emergence of a surveillance society. By applying theoretical perspectives such as Foucault's panopticon theory, Lyon's theory of the surveillance society, and Zuboff's concept of surveillance capitalism, we can understand the structures and mechanisms involved in the implementation of the regulation. Further research can deepen our understanding of the effects and consequences of surveillance capitalism on individual rights and privacy and help shape future policy decisions in a responsible and balanced manner.}},
  author       = {{Alkabi, Dana and Bard, Lovisa}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Chat Control 2.0 -Ett säkerhetssamhälle eller övervakningssamhälle?}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}