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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Myths of big data

Myths of big data

Jun 04, 2013 05:02 am

Microsoft researcher Kate Crawford describes several myths of big data. Myth #4: It makes cities smarter.

"It's only as good as the people using it," Ms. Crawford said. Many of the sensors that track people as they manage their urban lives come from high-end smartphones, or cars with the latest GPS systems. "Devices are becoming the proxies for public needs," she said, "but there won't be a moment where everyone has access to the same technology." In addition, moving cities toward digital initiatives like predictive policing, or creating systems where people are seen, whether they like it or not, can promote lots of tension between individuals and their governments.

Yep. I hear those people things can introduce a lot of challenges.

Comment to win a signed copy of Data Points

Jun 04, 2013 04:42 am

Data Points: Visualization that Means SomethingIt seems like ages since we ran one of these.

It's hard to believe Data Points hit the shelves two months ago. (Thank you to everyone who got a copy!) It still feels brand new in my head. I kind of thought that time would slow down after I finished the book (and dissertation), but it seems to be moving even faster now.

Anyways, if you'd like a chance to win a copy of Data Points blemished by my signature, leave a comment below by Wednesday, June 5, 2013 11:59pm PST. Tell us what your favorite number is and why. One entry per person please. I'll pick a winner at random via sample() in R. Good luck.

And of course, if you can't wait, have never been lucky at cards, or want a blemish-free version of the book, you can get it at online and physical bookstores everywhere.

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