This year’s Big Data & Society colloquium centers on the theme of "Politics, Power, and Data," exploring the complex intersections where data, algorithms, and socio-political forces converge. Mark your calendars and be sure to join this exciting set of four talks. Details below.
Panel 1. Data Decisions & Border Governance
11:00–13:00 (New York) or 16:00–18:00 (London), October 3, 2024
https://uky.zoom.us/j/89842180668
This panel critiques the growing role of data analytics in border decision-making processes. We will explore how various algorithmic and digital systems influence border governance and decision-making. Topics include the impact of digital technologies on control and sorting mechanisms, the evolving landscape of borders, and the involvement of private actors in developing and maintaining border technologies.
Panel 1 Speakers:
- Mellissa Villa-Nicholas, University of Rhode Island, US
- Travis Van Isacker, University of Bristol, UK
- Ivan Josipovic, University of Vienna, AU
- Phillipa Metclaff, University of Essex, UK
Panel 1 Chairs: Kaelynn Narita (K.Narita@gold.ac.uk) & Sungwon Jung (sungwon.jung@utexas.edu)
Panel 2. The Power of Privacy
11:00–13:00 (New York) or 16:00–18:00 (London), October 17, 2024
https://uky.zoom.us/j/86847318639
This panel explores digital privacy from diverse perspectives. We will discuss privacy in the contemporary digital landscape, considering its importance, value, and the distinction between private and public spheres. The panel aims to understand how privacy intersects with other rights and values, and how it is affected by the increasing reliance on personal data.
Panel 2 Speakers:
- Alice Marwick, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US
- Jo Pierson, Hasselt University, BE
- Nora Draper, University of New Hampshire, US
- Dmitry Epstein, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IL
Panel 2 Chairs: Sungwon Jung (sungwon.jung@utexas.edu) & Anastassija Kostan (kostan@upb.de)
Panel 3. Navigating AI Governance and Politics
11:00–13:00 (New York) or 16:00–18:00 (London), November 7, 2024
https://uky.zoom.us/j/81481839640
This panel will explore the intersection of data, AI, and politics. Our panel of experts will focus on the discourse surrounding AI and will discuss how AI is reshaping the landscape of governance and power structures. The discussion will be grounded in various research contexts, such as smart cities, the platform economy, and wider digital societies. The session aims to form a deeper understanding of how AI technologies are shaping our collective future in this crucial and timely discussion.
Panel 3 Speakers:
- Rob Kitchin, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, IE
- Yipeng (Patrick) Xi, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CN
- Itzelle Aurora Medina Perea, The University of Sheffield, UK
- Federico Cugurullo, Trinity College Dublin, IE
Panel 3 Chairs: Jeff Jianfeng Lan (jeff_lan@sjtu.edu.cn) & Jun Zhang (j.zhang3@sheffield.ac.uk)
Panel 4. Political Economy of Remote Sensing Data
11:00–13:00 (New York) or 16:00–18:00 (London), November 21, 2024
https://uky.zoom.us/j/86792687539
This panel explores the use of earth observation and geospatial analytics in fields such as agriculture, climate modelling, disaster management, and urban planning. We will discuss the role of firms and state efforts in acquiring and processing data imagery. Topics include the relationship between remote sensing data (via satellites, drones, etc.) and land governance, as well as the political economy and power dynamics in the production and use of this data. We welcome discussions on diverse applications and implications.
Panel 4 Speakers:
- Ufuoma Ovienmhada, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
- Luis Alvarez Leon, Dartmouth College, US
- Beth Tellman, University of Arizona, US
- Lisa Parks, UC Santa Barbara.
Panel 4 Chairs: Sanjana Krishnan (sanjana.k@uky.edu) & Jun Zhang (j.zhang3@sheffield.ac.uk)
Many thanks to the Overall Organizers: Jun Zhang & Sungwon Jung
