Zuboff

Shoshana Zuboff is an American academic and author known for her contributions to the fields of business, technology, and philosophy. Born on July 7, 1951, in Montreal, Canada, she grew up in the United States and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brandeis University in 1972. She later obtained a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Harvard Business School in 1978.

Zuboff’s academic career spans several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, where she served as the Rogers Professor of Business Administration from 1981 to 2014. Her research initially focused on organizational behavior and management, particularly the intersection of information technology and workplace dynamics. She developed influential concepts such as "informational rationality," which explores how individuals make decisions based on available information.

In 2019, Zuboff published *The Age of Surveillance Capitalism*, a critically acclaimed book that examines the rise of data-driven corporate power in the digital age. The work argues that companies like Google and Facebook exploit personal data as a resource, extracting behavioral insights to manipulate users and influence markets. It introduced the term "surveillance capitalism," describing an economic system where user data is commodified for profit. The book sparked widespread debate about privacy, ethics, and the future of technology, earning Zuboff international recognition and awards, including the 2020 Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences.

Beyond academia and writing, Zuboff has been a vocal advocate for digital rights and regulatory reforms. Her work has influenced discussions on data protection policies, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). She continues to lecture and engage with policymakers, scholars, and the public on the ethical implications of technology. Zuboff remains a prominent figure in debates about the balance between innovation and privacy in the digital economy.