NATIONAL SECURITY MEETS BIG DATA: The Implications of Security by Algorithm

The Implications of Security by Algorithm

The Snowden Revelations brought global recognition to the vast scope of the data collection that is being undertaken in the name of national security.

This dragnet surveillance has spawned extensive debate about the implications for privacy and free expression. Less explored is the issue of due process and discrimination. Edward Snowden is keen to see the public discussion turn to questions of Big Data and human rights and will be giving a talk in Vancouver in early April to help generate debate about how big data analytics are being applied in the national security context. Micheal Vonn, of the BC Civil Liberties Association and collaborator in the Big Data Surveillance Project will be joining Mr. Snowden in his talk in Vancouver on April 5.

This Ethics for Breakfast presentation is a reflection on her discussions with Mr. Snowden on these issues.

About our Speaker

Micheal Vonn is a lawyer and has been the Policy Director of the BCCLA since 2004. She has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the Faculty of Law and in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies where she has taught civil liberties and information ethics. She is a regular guest instructor for UBC's College of Health Disciplines Interdisciplinary Elective in HIV/AIDS Care. She was honoured as a recipient of the 2010 AccolAIDS award for social and political advocacy benefitting communities affected by HIV/AIDS and the 2015 Keith Sacré Library Champion Award for support, guidance and assistance given to the BC library community. Her publication credits include the Birkbeck Law Review, Surveillance and Society, Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law, and Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. Ms. Vonn is a frequent speaker on a variety of civil liberties topics including privacy, national security, policing, surveillance and free speech. She is an Advisory Board Member of Privacy International.

Click the link to learn more about the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

Venue

Alliance for Arts and Culture

938 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1N9