Digital/Platform-based Labor: Precarious Conditions and Unequal Opportunities

The session brought to the forefront a critical issue: the pivotal role of human labor in the development of AI/digital technologies. It revealed that digital development relies heavily on the human labor located predominantly in countries of the global South, where thousands of workers are engaged in activities such as data collection, curation, annotation, and validation. Companies benefit from these platforms while also often bypassing labor rights and protections such as minimum wage and freedom of association. Further, the precarious labor conditions that plague these workers include low pay, excessive overwork, short-term contracts, unfair management practices, and a lack of collective bargaining power, leading to social, economic, and physical/mental health issues among these workers in the long run. One notable initiative in this regard is the Fair Work Project, which seeks to address these labor conditions in nearly 40 countries. The project assesses digital labor platforms based on a set of fair work principles, including factors such as pay conditions, contract management, and representation. The Fair Work Project aims to drive positive change within the digital labor market and create a fairer and more equitable working environment. Speakers asserted that technology production should not merely be a process undertaken by technologists and coders but should include local and marginalized communities who possess a deep understanding of cultural nuances and the specific issues they face.

Data Colonialism: Protecting ‘Self’ Online 

The speaker discussed the exploitation of personal data without consent and argued that personal data is often used for profit without knowledge or permission, highlighting the need for more transparency and accountability in handling personal data. The speakers emphasized how the terms of service on online platforms are often unclear and full of jargon, leading to misunderstandings and uninformed consent. One of the main concerns raised is the concept of data colonialism, which the speaker explained, aims to capture and control human life/behavior for profit. She urges individuals to question data-intensive corporate ideologies that incentivise the collection of personal data, which perpetuate existing inequalities, lead to biases in algorithms, and result in unfair targeting, exclusion, and discrimination. The speaker then suggested that individuals should take steps to minimise the amount of personal data they share online or with technology platforms. They emphasised the importance of thinking twice before agreeing to terms and conditions that may require sharing personal data. They also proposed the idea of digital minimalism, which involves limiting one's social media presence as a way to minimise data. She highlighted that data colonialism is infact a silver lining in the cloud as it provides an opportunity to create systems rooted in ethics. The speaker went on to advocate for the concept of ownership by design, which includes minimisation and anonymisation of personal data. However, she cautioned against an entitled attitude towards data use, arguing that data use and reuse should be based on permissions rather than entitlements or rights. She called for more transparency, accountability, and individual action in minimising data sharing and also emphasised the need for critical digital literacy programmes.

Digital Sovereignty and Intellectual Property

The speakers explored the intricate web of internet regulation and its impact on digital sovereignty and decolonisation. Multinational companies are found to subtly impose their home country's laws on a global scale, disregarding national legal systems. Intellectual property, such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), is cited as an example of this behavior. 

Gender-Based Disinformation

Addressing the challenge of gender-based disinformation in South Asia is a central concern highlighted in the session. Women, trans individuals, and non-binary people are often targeted by disinformation campaigns that aim to silence and marginalize them. The session emphasizes the importance of documenting and combating gender disinformation and advocating for collaborative approaches that involve diverse stakeholders.

Digital Literacy and Bridging the Digital Divide

One key aspect illuminated by the session is the need for digital literacy programs and skills training to empower marginalized communities. The speakers advocated for democratizing access to digital education and ensuring that training is contextualized and relevant. This inclusive approach recognizes the diverse needs and cultural specificities of different communities, enabling them to harness the power of digital tools effectively. 

Decolonizing the Internet and Digital Technology

The concept of decolonizing the internet and digital technology production is evoked as a process that involves not only the use of digital technologies but also the transformation of the production process itself. By incorporating diverse perspectives and local context into technology creation, the aim is to avoid biases and discrimination. The speakers advocated for adapting platform policies to respect cultural differences and acknowledge human rights, rather than solely adhering to external legislation.

Conclusion:

The journey towards a decolonized internet and technology landscape is ongoing. It requires
continuous reflection, dialogue, and action. We can all strive for a digital space that respects
and empowers all individuals, regardless of their background or geographic location. By
working together, we can create a future where the internet truly becomes a force for
equality, justice, and liberation.