Exploring the Intersection of Surveillance Capitalism and National Security: A Conversation with Joshua Chambers on Digital Privacy and the Future of Individual Rights

Tristan Cabello interviewed Joshua Chambers following his presentation at the 2024 AGLSP Annual Conference.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Joshua Chambers, who recently presented his research at the 2024 AGLSP (Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs) Annual Conference. This year’s event, held virtually from October 10-12, centered on the theme “[AI]GLSP: Putting the ‘I’ in AI in the Age of Digital Cultures.” The conference brought together students, faculty, and alumni from across the US to explore critical issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital cultures, and liberal studies. Joshua’s presentation addressed the timely topic of digital privacy and its connection to national security.

During our conversation, Joshua reflected on his experience at the conference and shared the inspiration behind his research. His work, which explores how national security concerns could lead to stronger individual privacy protections, taps into some of the most pressing issues of our increasingly interconnected world. He also offered valuable advice to fellow students about the importance of taking the leap and submitting their research to conferences like AGLSP, emphasizing the support and growth that come from sharing ideas within such a vibrant intellectual community.

Tristan Cabello: You’ve chosen to explore a fascinating yet somewhat alarming intersection between surveillance capitalism and national security, particularly when it comes to digital privacy. What sparked your interest in this topic, and how did you decide to dive into this area of research?

Joshua Chambers: "I think a lot of people would be surprised to know just how pervasive surveillance capitalism has become. We’re constantly being tracked, our data harvested, and yet, policymakers seem almost indifferent to the risks that come with it. That got me thinking—what if we could link this issue to something policymakers do care about, like national security? That might be a way to push for more robust individual rights and privacy protections. The potential for that intersection really intrigued me, and that’s what led me to this research."

Tristan Cabello: Your idea of connecting digital privacy to national security is unique, especially in a world where these discussions are often separated. Now that you’ve had the chance to present your findings at the AGLSP conference, what was that experience like for you? How does it feel to share your work with such a diverse and intellectually rich community?

Joshua Chambers: "It’s honestly been an incredible experience. Presenting at the AGLSP conference is more than just an opportunity to share my work—it’s a chance to learn. There are so many brilliant people who attend every year, and they’re all willing to connect with you, offer feedback, and help you grow as a researcher. I feel really lucky to have had the chance to be part of that. The whole experience has shown me how much there is to gain, not only by presenting but also by being open to learning from others.

Tristan Cabello: It sounds like the conference offered a tremendous learning opportunity for you, which ties back to the broader implications of your research. Given that our world is becoming more digital and interconnected by the day, what do you think are the biggest societal issues that your work addresses? Why is this topic so critical right now?

Joshua Chambers: "Every day, our lives are more intertwined with digital systems, and with that comes an increasing amount of data collection. The problem is that this data harvesting often goes unnoticed because it’s invisible—there’s no immediate harm that people can see. But just because we can’t see the violation doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Individual privacy rights are being compromised, and that’s something we, as a society, need to address. It’s a critical issue because the more data that’s collected without oversight, the more vulnerable our personal information becomes. We deserve better protections, and it’s important to push for that now, before it’s too late."

Tristan Cabello: It’s inspiring to hear how driven you are by the potential impact your research could have. For other students who might be in the early stages of their research or are hesitant about submitting their work to conferences, what advice would you offer? How can they take advantage of opportunities like the AGLSP?

Joshua Chambers: "I’d say don’t hesitate—just go for it. It can definitely feel intimidating to put your work out there, but presenting your research is such a valuable experience. The JHU community and organizations like AGLSP are incredibly supportive, so you’re not going through the process alone. Submitting your research, whether or not it gets accepted right away, is a huge learning opportunity. You’ll grow from it, and you won’t regret stepping outside of your comfort zone to share your ideas. That leap is what opens doors to further growth and development."

As our conversation concluded, I was deeply struck by Joshua’s thoughtful approach to both his research and the broader societal impact of his work. His focus on the intersection of surveillance capitalism and national security highlights a critical issue in our increasingly digitized world: the delicate balance between privacy and technology.