Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 13 to 22.

Surveillance Capitalism

In the digital age, personal data has become the most valuable resource, often described as the “new gold” of the 21st century. [I] The exponential growth of information—from just 1% stored digitally in 1986 to nearly all data by 2013—has enabled companies to harvest human experiences as raw material for profit. This phenomenon, known as Surveillance Capitalism, is driven by technology giants such as Google, Meta, and Amazon. Unlike traditional capitalism, which relied on labor and natural resources, this new system thrives on extracting, analyzing, and monetizing personal data. While it has created powerful business models, it also raises serious concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the health of democratic societies.

Surveillance Capitalism works through a clear mechanism. First, platforms collect vast amounts of information about user activities, ranging from search queries to shopping habits. Next, algorithms and artificial intelligence process these patterns to predict preferences and future behavior. Finally, the insights are used to influence decisions, whether through targeted advertising, dynamic pricing, or subtle nudges that shape emotions and opinions. In this way, corporations do not simply respond to consumer demand; they actively create and modify it. Compared to traditional capitalism, which produced goods in factories, Surveillance Capitalism produces behavioral change, turning everyday actions into opportunities for profit.

The ethical implications of this system are profound. [II] Algorithms often exploit cognitive biases, manipulating users without their awareness. Privacy is eroded as data is collected without meaningful consent, and sensitive information is commodified like any other product. Cases such as Clearview AI’s unauthorized data collection in France or Facebook’s fines in Italy highlight the risks of unfair practices. Beyond commercial concerns, democratic values are threatened when surveillance blurs the line between corporate interests and state control. Moreover, exposure to curated content designed to maximize engagement can harm mental health, fueling anxiety and political polarization. [III] These issues demonstrate that Surveillance Capitalism is not only an economic model but also a social force with far-reaching consequences.

Efforts to regulate this system have begun worldwide, yet challenges remain. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and California’s Consumer Privacy Act represent important steps, while India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act seeks to strengthen individual rights. [IV] Moving forward, stronger frameworks, antitrust measures, and global cooperation are essential to limit exploitation. At the same time, empowering users through data literacy and promoting privacy-by-design in technology can help restore balance. Surveillance Capitalism is unlikely to disappear, but with ethical innovation and collective action, societies can ensure that digital progress serves human dignity rather than undermines it.

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