The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism: A Product of Smart Governance, Data Governance, and Algorithmic Governance

This article examines the rise of surveillance capitalism as an outcome of intersecting governance frameworks—smart governance, data governance, and algorithmic governance—and its implications for democracy, sovereignty, and individual autonomy. Through a qualitative methodology grounded in literature review, theoretical analysis, and case studies (e.g., the Cambridge Analytica scandal and GDPR implementation), the study reveals how corporate entities commodify personal data to exert unprecedented influence over behavior, politics, and global power dynamics. Key findings highlight the erosion of privacy, the opacity of algorithmic decision-making, and the emergence of digital identities that fragment traditional notions of selfhood and national belonging. The analysis underscores systemic risks, including democratic backsliding, regulatory capture by tech giants, and data colonialism, wherein Global South nations are disproportionately exploited. The discussion proposes multi-faceted solutions: binding international data treaties, algorithmic transparency mandates, decentralized technologies (e.g., blockchain and Solid pods), and hybrid governance models balancing innovation with accountability. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, the article advocates for ethical-by-design AI certification, public education on digital literacy, and strengthened whistle blower protections. It also considers the need for effective intervention by academics and researchers in this field essential to maintaining the country's independence and freedom. It concludes that safeguarding democratic values in the algorithmic age demands harmonizing legal, technical, and ethical frameworks while addressing geographic inequities in regulatory discourse.

Keywords:

Smart governance , Surveillance capitalism , Data governance , digital identity , algorithmic governance