The Concept of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff:A Security Sciences Perspective

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of surveillance capitalism, as developed by Shoshana Zuboff, which she presents as a new form of economic order with significant negative consequences for the social order. Zuboff's concept of instrumental power sheds new light on the issues of power and control in contemporary society, particularly in relation to the tension between instrumental power and traditional (especially democratic) control structures. It highlights the implications of its global nature and the problems associated with decision-making automation based on algorithms. An essential element of Zuboff's analysis is the exploration of the negative consequences of this new form of power for the functioning of individuals within society. The description of these consequences, both at the systemic and individual levels, can be seen as a mapping of threats that are critical from the perspective of security studies.