"Data collection leads to discrimination and self-censorship, MPs told", 19 June 2019

Widespread data collection practices lead to self-censorship and discrimination even though most users are not fully aware of how much their privacy is being infringed, a parliamentary committee has been warned.

On Wednesday, the human rights committee, beginning its inquiry into the right to privacy and the digital revolution, published evidence from privacy and data protection organisations...

Liberty said [...] “The normalisation of these processes also threatens our freedom of expression and association by making it clear that we are being watched...”

The IOC [Information Commissioner’s Office] warned that the modern data economy runs the risk of embedding discrimination in the fabric of society...

“There is growing evidence that inherent biases are built into algorithms resulting in the risk of discriminatory outcomes, which runs contrary to the principle of fairness. Additionally, the principles of consent, transparency and accountability are all engaged by this activity,” the ICO said...

The inquiry will begin taking oral evidence over the coming months, before reporting on whether Britain needs new safeguards to regulate the collection, use, tracking, retention and disclosure of personal data by private companies.