Idea/problem/context
Biometric technologies are advancing and becoming socially acceptable
in the wake of recent terrorist events. This process raises
fundamental questions about what defines us as trusted members
of society or trusted citizens of a state. The Acclair project
explores a situation wherein people willingly accept a highly
invasive, highly authoritative manipulation in return for
tangible rewards and social status.
What it is Acclair is a brain-testing
services company that provides an accelerated security
clearance for air-travelers with its use of Brain Fingerprinting
technology (BFP). Acclair uses its members' brain output (ostensibly
measured with EEG) in conjunction with data aggregation processes
to profile a person not only for security purposes, but also
as a Neuromarketing tool that provides market research value
for its corporate clients.
How it works Before departure,
the Acclair member goes through a one-minute brain test in a comfortable
and relaxing environment. His brain output is used for security
clearance, and then sold to marketing entities interested in his
consumerist personality ("Capitality"). According to
his brain's market value, the Acclair member is rewarded with
Capitality credit points that enable meaningful capital benefits
and "Amnesty" credit points that provide legal pardons
for applicable past offenses.
Value/Potential We created a
company (Acclair) to underscore a new social phenomenon
(Acclairism) that develops due to the widespread adoption of
biometrics technology. The adoption of such technology influences
financial and social status, determines degrees of personal
freedom and translates personality propensities into data-driven
value. The aim of the project is to get people to reflect on
the core question: to what degree will people exchange liberty
for convenience, and how far is it possible to hide this choice
by wrapping it in a "user-friendly"
environment and a desirable reward system.
For more information on Acclair the company, visit the website:
www.acclair.co.uk
For more information on Acclairism, visit our Interaction Ivrea
Acclairism
project site. |
