Exploring Identity and Power in the Age of Technology

Join us for an engaging talk with artist, researcher, and lecturer, Mark Farid as he delves into the fascinating relationship between technology and identity. Farid will take us on a journey through his previous groundbreaking projects and introduce his latest work, "Invisible Voice," a project that reveals the hidden power structures and business practices behind the websites and companies we use daily.

In his past work, Farid has consistently explored the boundaries of digital identity and privacy. One notable project, "Seeing I," involved him spending seven days in virtual reality, experiencing life through another person's perspective. This bold experiment raised profound questions about empathy, sensory deprivation, and the adaptability of the human brain to new realities. Another significant project, "Data Shadow," was an interactive art installation set inside a shipping container, where participants confronted their own personal data shadows, revealing how much personal information is unknowingly shared. Participants were shown projections of their recent text messages and images from their phones, without interacting with their phones, highlighting the extent of data vulnerability.

Following "Data Shadow," Farid created "Anonymity is our only right, and that is why it must be destroyed," where he publicly shared all his online passwords, provoking a discussion on the value and risks of privacy in an interconnected world. This project underscored the extent to which we trade personal privacy for convenience and connectivity. Additionally, "Poisonous Antidote" explored the paradox of social media visibility, examining how public scrutiny influences personal identity. This project highlighted how social media pressures individuals to conform to societal norms and expectations, revealing the deep impact of public scrutiny on personal identity.

Farid’s current project, "Invisible Voice," is an innovative digital arts and research project featuring a browser extension, a mobile app, and an interactive public art installation. Developed over three-plus years with extensive support, including multiple European Commission Horizon grants and a residency with HacTe and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, "Invisible Voice" aims to reshape societal narratives by uniting individuals around shared causes. It aims to provide the infrastructure to exert pressure on politicians and media organisations on topics ranging from environmental impacts and human rights to workers' rights, corporate accountability, lobbying, and financial conduct. By utilising Invisible Voice, participants can align their online activities with their ethical values and express their political views by boycotting, endorsing, voting, commenting directly on the webpage, or switching to a suggested alternative website. With privacy preservation at its core, Invisible Voice aims to repurpose online advertising methodologies for meaningful social impact rather than profit. Through user interaction, it will identify localised communities around specific causes and facilitate participation, effectively turning data into action.

Through his work, Farid strives to challenge perceptions and provoke thought about how technology shapes our identities and social structures. "Invisible Voice" is a continuation of this journey, aiming to foster a more informed and proactive digital citizenry. Join us for this compelling talk and be inspired to reflect on the intricate connections between technology, identity, and power.