Threats of the data-flood An accountability perspective in the era of ubiquitous computing

In this essay, I argue that ubiquitous computing and the closely related increase in data requires a fundamental reorientation of the recordkeeping community. I explore the effects of data-driven phenomena like big data and smart applications on records and recordkeeping practices from the perspective of its contribution to informational accountability and transparency. I contend that a traditional view of appraisal of recorded data is no longer sufficient to contribute to accountability and transparency. Instead, the focus should be shifted to understanding and managing the assemblages between data and the processing mechanisms (for instance algorithms) in situated practices.