Uber and Facebook: We fear what we can't control

Facebook is under pressure to explain how the personal data of millions of its users could be exploited by political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. When it comes to social networks, their personal data and algorithms, people don't exactly feel
Facebook is under pressure to explain how the personal data of millions of its users could be exploited by political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. When it comes to social networks, their personal data and algorithms, people don't exactly feel in control, says the writer. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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The world has now seen its first death by driverless car, in Tempe, Arizona, as a pedestrian was struck down by an Uber vehicle.

This is a big news story, even though about 40,000 Americans die from motor vehicle accidents each year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 23, 2018, with the headline Uber and Facebook: We fear what we can't control. Subscribe