Justice in Surveillance Systems

In an era of digital transformation, welfare states are incorporating data tools, ranging from basic e-portals to sophisticated AI-driven systems.

While potentially improving service delivery, concerns are being raised about intrusive surveillance, especially among marginalized populations. JUSST seeks to expand on the co-productionist framework to go beyond limited interpretations of data ethics.

Its main objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of sociotechnical systems, examining the interplay between human actors, technology, culture, and institutions.

The core focus lies in understanding how sociotechnical imaginaries interact with digital tool applications within welfare services and how they affect digitally monitored welfare recipients (DMWR) across different societal structures. It will furthermore look into potential for good uses of data tools and digital technologies.

JUSST utilizes a qualitative, international comparative appproach to examine the impact of surveillance on welfare recipients, comparing income support recipients with offenders under electronic monitoring.

JUSST aspires innovative theorization by adopting an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from Science and Technology Studies (STS), Social Policy Studies, and Sociology of Punishment.

Besides its theoretical significance, this project seeks to provide policy recommendations for the good use of data tools within an inclusive social and economic framework that caters towards the needs of all stakeholders involved.

The collaboration between the researcher, who has a background in Criminology and Sociology of Punishment, and the Research Centre for Digitalisation of Public Services and Citizenship (CEDIC) at OsloMet University in Norway will facilitate a valuable exchange of expertise, relevant for theory building, developing well-informed policy recommendations and career enhancement.