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our selection to understand the issues of privacy on the Internet

To question his private life in the age of the Internet and social networks, discover 6 documentaries, comics and series on the subject.

Today is World Data Privacy Day. Like every year, this January 28 is an opportunity to reflect (a little more) on the impact of our digital activity on our private life, whether IRL or online.

Behind our smokescreens

Documentary by Jeff Orlowski, released in 2020
Available on Netflix — 1 h 29 min

Our tweets, our likes and even our activity on social networks have an impact on our digital identity online, but also on our addiction to screens. Behind our smokescreens acts as a formidable vaccine against social networks, and gives the floor to experts to better understand the consequences of our personal data on the business of GAFAM.

The Great Hack – The Cambridge Analytica Affair

Documentary by Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim, released in 2020
Available on Netflix — 1 h 50 min

Considered one of the biggest privacy scandals in the world, the Cambridge Analytica affair remains today the symbol of Facebook hegemony. For those who missed it, the original Netflix documentary is an excellent introduction. The opportunity to discover the power of influence of certain large tech companies – that of Mark Zuckerberg in the lead – on subjects as burning as privacy and the American presidential elections.

The Machine never closes its eyes

Screenplay by Yvan Greenberg, drawing by Joe Canlas and Everett Patterson — 144 pages
Published on June 2, 2021 by Delcourt editions — €15.95

The Machine never closes its eyes - zoom cover
© Delcourt

Dense, richly documented and often pessimistic, The Machine never closes its eyes is a dive into mass surveillance, from Antiquity to the omnipotence of the giant Facebook. One edifying inventory of what humans have imagined best to spy on their fellow humans over the centuries. In addition to constituting a veritable mine of information for all those who would like to take a closer look, this investigation-like comic strip also questions the stakes of this espionage, both on an individual and societal.

Internet too, it’s real life

Written by Lucie Ronfaut-Hazard, drawing by Mirion Malle — 72 pages
Published on January 7, 2022 by La Ville Brûle editions — 12€

Internet too is real life cover
© Amandine Jonniaux / JDG

Intended for young teenagers, but not only, Internet too, it’s real life stands out as a practical guide of public utility. With some concrete examples and specific advicewithout falling into cliches and ready-made ideas, it was time to stop making the distinction between life “real” and digital life. A good way to launch the debate with the youngest on online identity, and privacy on social networks.

Nothing to Hide

Documentary by Marc Meillassoux and Mihaela Gladovic, released in 2017
1 hr 26 mins

Using Edward Snowden’s famous quote on the right to privacy, Nothing to Hide is a Franco-German documentary, which although a bit old, is still sadly topical. After successful funding on Kickstarter, the film features a (volunteer) “guinea pig” who has nothing to hide, faced with the research work of two hackers who are determined to unearth the slightest compromising information. An edifying adventure, which offers us concrete means to maintain a digital identity increasingly difficult to master.

stalk

Series by Simon Bouisson, Jean-Charles Paugam and Victor Rodenbach, released in 2020
Available on Salto and YouTube — 2 seasons

For once a French series stands out from the crowd, avoiding clichés and the overplay of its actors, it was necessary to talk about it. Released in 2020, stalk tells the story of Lucas ‘Lux’, a brilliant ENSI student who decides to take revenge for his hazing by stalking and infiltrating the most popular student phone on campus to handle it. A revenge that will quickly turn against him, when he has become who he has always dreamed of being. With two seasons on the clock, stalk is available on Salto and for free on YouTube. An unexpected discovery, to watch right after the Harry Potter reunion.

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