The Transformations of Secrecy

The Virtual Private Sphere and Human Dignity

Abstract

The main question of this paper is whether we need a new understanding on human dignity due to the challenges caused by secret data collection practices in the virtual sphere. In the author’s view, the “virtual” human dignity differs considerably from the “real world” human dignity in a paradoxical way. On the one hand, we are more open to share our most private or intimate personal information in virtual spaces and community networks. On the other hand, however, we are more vulnerable and almost defenseless against virtual intrusions. In this context secrecy plays a highly complex role. First, the data collection itself can be secret, i.e. hidden from the affected person. Second, the methodology of the data collection can be secret, i.e. understood only by a few experts, or even only by AIs. Third, having the possibilities of big data analyses, the secret data collection working by a secret methodology can concern secret (i.e. unexpected and seemingly neutral) areas of one’s life. This way,
we cannot know what personal data we should hide from malevolent state or private actors, and effective protection becomes infeasible if we would like to lead
a “normal” life in the given technological environment. Due to all these factors, the author argues that we need a new understanding on human dignity in the virtual
sphere.