Watch Data Mining the Deceased

Data Mining the Deceased is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the issues surrounding the collection and use of data from deceased individuals. Directed by and starring Austin-based filmmaker and journalist, Julia Angwin, the film delves deep into the complex ethical and moral questions that arise when personal information is gathered from the deceased.

The film examines the ways in which data mining companies use obituaries, funeral homes, and social media to collect information on deceased individuals. The film highlights the motives of the companies that carry out this work, which is primarily to make a profit. Furthermore, it explores the ways that personal data of the deceased are used, from training artificial intelligence and developing predictive algorithms to personalized marketing and advertising strategies.

The documentary features a range of interviews, including with academics, privacy advocates, data scientists, and individuals who have suffered from the consequences of these practices. Through these interviews, the film raises challenging questions about the boundaries of privacy, consent, and ethical use of data. For example, how often do we consider the privacy rights of the deceased? Is it wrong for companies to use data gathered from someone who cannot consent? Are the bereaved being exploited without knowing it?

The documentary also brings to light the legal loopholes for companies who use data from the deceased. Beyond the fact that the dead might no longer have any privacy rights, data protection laws often do not adequately address these concerns. This is particularly concerning when social media giants offer bereft family members the opportunity to access their loved one’s data, often without realizing how companies use it.

Julia Angwin, the filmmaker and director of Data Mining the Deceased, approaches the topic in a thoughtful and measured way. She does not present this as a black and white issue but seeks to provide a nuanced account of a complex matter that raises many questions. Her nuanced approach to the topic is both sensitive and insightful, and she asks the big questions that deserve to be addressed.

Throughout the documentary, we are offered glimpses of the ethical dilemmas that arise from these practices. The interviews with bereaved relatives and the loved ones of those who have been affected add an emotional aspect to the film without ever straying into melodrama, offering a sense of the human cost of these practices.

Overall, Data Mining the Deceased is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex ethical issues that arise when companies collect data from the deceased. It provides a timely reminder of the need to question how our data is being used and calls for a more transparent discussion of the ethical use of data in the digital age. It’s recommended viewing for anyone who has an interest in how data is being used in our society and the important conversations we should be having around data ethics.