Antony West (Author)

Many of our most frequently used digital services — social media, search engines, email — are offered “free” of charge. However, this apparent gratuity often comes with a significant hidden cost: our personal data. These companies operate within a “surveillance economy,” where they collect vast amounts of information about our habits, preferences, and behaviours. This data is then used to target advertising, build predictive profiles, and even influence our choices, effectively turning our digital lives into a commodity. The “true cost” extends beyond data, encompassing potential privacy erosion, the spread of misinformation, and the mental health impacts of constant engagement. Recognising that “if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product” is the first step toward a more informed digital existence. What “free” digital service do you feel gives you the least control over your data?