Data Collection Documentaries: A Curated List

Description: Focused on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, this film explores the ethical and legal implications of leaking classified information, which often involves the collection and dissemination of data.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with Assange, Chelsea Manning, and other key figures involved with WikiLeaks.

Description: This film examines the fine print of online agreements, showing how companies collect and use our data. It's an eye-opener on how our digital footprints are tracked and monetized.

Fact: The documentary includes interviews with tech experts and privacy advocates, providing a balanced perspective on the issue.

Description: Focused on Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, this documentary provides an insider's look at how government agencies collect data on citizens. It's a must-watch for understanding the scope of data collection.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: Focusing on Google and Facebook, this documentary examines how these tech giants collect and use data, often crossing ethical lines in the process.

Fact: The title refers to a quote by Eric Schmidt about the line between what's acceptable and what's creepy in data collection.

Description: This documentary delves into the dark side of social media, showing how algorithms collect and manipulate user data to keep us engaged, often at the cost of our mental health and privacy.

Fact: The film features former tech insiders from companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook discussing the unintended consequences of their work.

Description: This documentary tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a programmer and activist who fought for open access to information, highlighting the legal battles over data access and privacy.

Fact: Aaron Swartz co-founded Reddit and was instrumental in developing RSS and Creative Commons.

Description: This documentary explores how big data is changing our lives, from healthcare to urban planning, showing both the potential benefits and the ethical dilemmas.

Fact: The film was narrated by Sigourney Weaver and features a wide range of experts discussing the implications of big data.

Description: This documentary explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how personal data was harvested from millions of Facebook users to influence elections. It's a chilling look at the power of data in modern politics.

Fact: The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix shortly after. It features interviews with key figures involved in the scandal.

Description: A deep dive into the world of big data, this documentary follows data scientists and their quest to understand and predict human behavior through data analysis.

Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind "The Internet's Own Boy."

Description: Based on Shoshana Zuboff's book, this documentary explores how companies profit from our personal data, detailing the rise of surveillance capitalism.

Fact: The film features interviews with Zuboff and other experts discussing the economic and societal impacts of data collection.