Data Science Seminar
Date: Friday, September 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: NKN Hall
Dark Side of Data Science
Sourish Das
Chennai Mathematical Institute.
05-09-25

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Abstract

Data Science is often celebrated for its power to solve complex problems, but history shows it has also been used to manipulate, control, and cause harm. In this talk, I will trace the darker side of Data Science, beginning with its early roots in statecraft and warfare and moving through a series of compelling anecdotes that highlight unethical and dangerous uses of data, statistics, and artificial intelligence.

This talk traces uses of statistics and AI through real-world stories, from wartime surveillance and financial crises to Cambridge Analytica, AI-driven scams, and biased algorithms. Rather than theory, I will share anecdotes showing how data has been weaponised for manipulation, control, and exploitation. The aim is to spark reflection on a crucial question for every data scientist: Who benefits, and who gets hurt when data is used this way?