In the heart of Barcelona, a unique experiment is unfolding, one that could reshape how we think about data, technology, and even democracy itself. Andreu Belsunces Gonçalves, a researcher at Becoming, has developed a groundbreaking approach called Data Control Wars. This isn’t your typical academic study; it’s a blend of collaborative fiction, generative conflict, and performance, all designed to explore the future of data and its profound implications.
Imagine a world where data isn’t just a commodity to be bought and sold, but a resource to be managed and exploited for the common good. This is the kind of world that Data Control Wars seeks to envision. Through a series of activations, participants are immersed in sociotechnical scenarios, simulating different futures where data plays a central role. “We’re trying to decolonize imaginaries captured by techno-capitalist logic,” says Belsunces. “It’s about stimulating social imagination and rehearsing transition strategies towards technological sovereignty.”
The energy sector, with its vast amounts of data and critical role in society, stands to gain significantly from this research. As energy systems become increasingly digitalized, the control and management of data will be paramount. Data Control Wars provides a platform to test different strategies and identify potential pitfalls, all before they become reality. “It’s like a dress rehearsal for the future,” Belsunces explains. “We’re identifying myths and testing strategies, all in a safe, controlled environment.”
The activations have already proven useful as an educational tool, helping participants understand the potential positive and negative effects of data use. But the implications go beyond education. By questioning techno-capitalist cultural hegemony, Data Control Wars is paving the way for a more democratic and equitable future. It’s a future where data isn’t just a tool for profit, but a resource for societal benefit.
The research, published in the journal Temes de Disseny (translated to Design Issues), is already sparking conversations in the tech and energy sectors. As we stand on the brink of a data-driven future, Data Control Wars offers a unique perspective, one that challenges us to think beyond the status quo and envision a future where technology serves society, not the other way around. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research could prove invaluable, shaping the way we think about data, technology, and our role in shaping the future.