The insidious world of surveillance advertising Imagine this: pop-ups that plaster your browser window with the latest Zelda game that you just looked up, Spotify ads that feature your favourite indie artist’s upcoming tour, YouTube ads promoting that stunning Amalfi Coast resort right after you got tickets to fly there – coincidence? I think not. […]
Corporate stalking Read More »
It’s what makes it so powerful I used to be overly nonchalant when the subject of our phones listening to us was brought up. In a teenage attempt to sound cool, I would make some unfunny joke like “at least they know what I want,” or claim that I simply didn’t care. I would brush
Your indifference to Surveillance Capitalism matters Read More »
How surveillance erodes trust and autonomy in modern society In the twenty-first century, there has been no technological development more insidious than surveillance. A mere 50 years ago, CCTV was still in its infancy and limited to only a few government-owned locations. At the time, one could shop without a care in the world for
The inhumane face of surveillance Read More »
How surveillance becomes a tool for reifying social hierarchies in Canada The phrase “Orwellian” is often used to describe far-off totalitarian states, or, something resembling the novel 1984 by George Orwell, a science fiction that tackles dystopian societies where one is constantly being watched. However, surveillance occurs in a myriad of forms, and Canada is
Surveillance beyond order maintenance Read More »
I think my browsing habits are giving my little iPhone spy guy emotional whiplash… Hey sport! It’s about time we address the elephant in the room… you probably have some questions about my phone habits, and I think it’s time you get the answers you need to sleep better at night. After all, I’m sure
A message to my government assigned phone spy Read More »
Foolproof ways to stay secure online In our modern digital age, fears about our lack of privacy online have grown. It can all feel overwhelming and leave you with a bunch of questions: Is Google keeping track of and profiting off of your search history? Is the FBI agent tracking you really concerned that you
Beating the Internet Read More »
The man, the myth, the legend: The Peepeepoopoo Man It was five years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was just a little baby undergrad—a 21-year-old child, really—and little did I know, I was about to get sucked into a whirlwind of shit. I was working as a TA for MAT137,
The Stench of Crime Read More »
How queer surveillance has evolved from the Cold War to the Digital Age If you’ve ever studied the Cold War in a history class, chances are that you’ve heard of either the Red Scare or McCarthyism. These two campaigns targeted (perceived) communists, but there was a third parallel operation that you might not have heard
From The Fruit Machine to Facial Recognition Read More »
Navigating privacy and accountability in this digital age In its early days, social media was a simpler platform—a place to connect with friends, share photos, and post updates without much concern for data privacy. User interactions were driven by personal connections rather than algorithms and there was little sense of the digital footprint left behind.
Should Canada be doing more to protect our data? Read More »
A snippet into The Strand’s interview with President McEwen on recent Vic and student affairs. Why do you think Victoria College finds it so difficult in maintaining a supportive environment, and what steps has it taken create a supportive environment for students? Mental health is a challenge not specific to UofT. The Canadian health care
President McEwen on Mental Health, Fossil Fuel Divestment and other topics. Read More »
