The FTC unveiled a lengthy report, Big Data: A Tool for
Inclusion or Exclusion? Understanding the Issues, warning
companies about commercial uses of big data and the discriminatory
impact it may have on low-income and underserved populations.
"Big data" refers to the ubiquitous collection of massive
amounts of consumer information by companies, which may be analyzed
to reveal certain consumer patterns, trends, and associations.
While the term may conjure up an ominous feeling for some, big
data has brought numerous advantages to society by efficiently and
effectively matching products and services to consumers of all
demographics. However, the FTC's report warns that potential
inaccuracies and biases might lead to detrimental effects on
low-income and underserved populations, such as the misuse of
personal information, reinforcing existing biases and disparities
against certain populations, perpetuating fraud against vulnerable
consumers, and weakening the overall
