A review by hannahleelovestoread
Data Independence: Reclaiming Privacy in an Era of Evolving Tech by Wes Chaar

informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Data Independence by Wes Chaar is an eye-opening book written from a uniquely informed perspective. Chaar, who worked with Delta Airlines in the 1980s, had employee access to the earliest customer relationship management (CRM); in other words, he helped collect customer data to optimize revenue. As time has gone on and this practice has grown exponentially in both the public and private sectors, Chaar has become a firm believer in every person’s fundamental right to privacy. The book focuses on the public need for a “Data Constitution” and proposes three core tenets of data consent, data control, and data currency. The author points to the role government policy now plays in the regulation (and lack thereof) of data collection and promotes citizens’ active participation in the legislative process. 

I am amazed at the sheer volume of information I learned from this book. Chaar has a knack for breaking down a complicated topic into easily digestible pieces for the less-than-tech-savvy like myself. Frankly, however, my optimism is not equal to his. While I believe that citizens can and quite possibly will take back a small amount of their privacy, I am afraid that much of the damage is done. Because of books like this one, though, I am a well-informed citizen able to make more conscious decisions about my privacy in the digital arena. As such, I highly recommend this book to everyone.