Stop Putting “Feminism” Labels on the Demand for Internet Privacy in Web3 verse
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Quit Calling The Urge for Internet Privacy in Web3 Verse “Feminism”. “Feminist data protection” is yet to be a recognized phrase or area of study in Web3Verse.

Data protection discourse is dominated by orthodox legal and economic stances, and feminist perspectives are few. “Feminist data protection” is not a recognized phrase or area of study. The exclusion of feminist voices from the mainstream discourse is a frequent enough occurrence that it is not shocking in and of itself. However, given the numerous feminist arguments surrounding a similarly related concept—privacy—the relative paucity of feminist engagement with data protection strikes as somewhat puzzling.

The gendered separation between the private and public realms and its deconstruction have been major topics of feminist critique and investigation of the concept of privacy. Particularly, the instrumentalization of privacy to shield domestic violence abusers has drawn the attention of numerous writers. The judgment noted that “many writers on feminism express concern over the use of privacy as a veneer for patriarchal domination and abuse of women,” but stressed that “women have an inviolable interest in privacy,” with privacy being “the ultimate guarantee against violations caused by programs not unknown to history.” The feminist critique of privacy is now well-known enough to have entered mainstream debates.

Since privacy and data protection are frequently seen as being synonymous, perhaps this relationship explains why fewer feminists are actively involved in data protection. Despite all of the places where they diverge, data protection and privacy should not be confused. Their distinct genealogies have led to a variety of techniques, implications, and discussions in various situations. Data protection may serve objectives other than privacy, and depending on how it has been conceptualized thus far or may be conceptualized in the future, it may be more or less effective in mitigating various possible harms.

How might feminism, as now understood, be positioned with respect to data security? We start by summarizing a few recent contributions to the broader fields of data sciences and surveillance studies that, despite the fact that they frequently do not explicitly address the idea of data protection, can instruct us on the kinds of themes and issues that are significant from a feminist perspective. After that, we return to the topic of data protection itself and discuss how a feminist interpretation, critique, and eventual reimagining of it can be possible. Finally, we return to the phrase “feminist data protection” and discuss the various ways it might be expanded upon, including a feminist approach to data protection, the safeguarding of feminist data, and the feminist method of data protection. Additionally, we give a summary of the pieces that make up the current special issue on feminist data protection.

There is already a substantial feminist archive of texts on privacy, surveillance, and data processing. A wide number of viewpoints and methodologies are used by feminism, which frequently places a focus on embodied, placed, and contextual knowledge. A clear distinction between articles on surveillance, privacy, and data protection and works on the rights of women online, such as those on online harassment and gender-based violence, which have a direct connection to privacy, is challenging and delicate. LGBT, gender, and feminist activists are aware of the value of privacy in terms of safety and the significance of permission in determining whether or not a violation has occurred. In addition to contesting the idea of “private violence,” feminist groups have defended women’s right to privacy, transforming it into a public health concern and a problem in the community. However, in the digital age, women’s privacy is in danger and linked to violence in disturbing new ways.

A feminist viewpoint on the important issues surrounding the internet is a direct rebuttal to the paternalistic rhetoric of safety. The practices of resilience that can lead to a more equitable relationship between online users, businesses, and governments are highlighted and generated via a feminist lens.

We do not have the luxury of ignoring the humane approach to internet freedom that privacy and digital safety represent. As feminists and activists, we must assume responsibility for the way the internet is created and be conscious of our influence. Due to pressure from activists and the abundance of data they had amassed, major corporations like Facebook and Twitter started to address violence against women in their Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. However, most of the population does not use the internet as often as they ought to, and they are not safe or protected when violent acts are committed.