In The Know

Data represents the single most important commodity in modern campaigning. Without timely, relevant insights about issues and constituents, it’s virtually impossible to build a winning campaign. 

Suffice it to say that the proliferation of data collection and analytics has led to the formation of a new field known as data politics. But what exactly is it, and more importantly, what role does it play in your campaign? Below is everything you need to know. 

Data Politics 101

At its core, data politics refers to the strategic interactions between state and non-state actors or between sovereign nations. It is an important subset of digital politics and focuses on the collection, processing, transfer, sale, and use of data. 

Furthermore, it encompasses these three key topics:

Open Data

Open data refers to the practice of making datasets freely available for public use and redistribution. The data is typically provided by governments, organizations, or institutions and is released in formats that are accessible and machine-readable. 

As such, open data promotes greater transparency and informed decision-making among individuals. And by removing barriers to access, it fosters a collaborative environment, one where knowledge can be shared and used to address societal challenges and improve services. 

Proponents of open data want organizations to be more transparent about what information they collect and use, a movement that is part of a larger conversation about data privacy. 

And on the subject of data privacy, the open data revolution has led to the creation of several sweeping consumer privacy laws aimed at holding entities accountable for the data they collect and use. A few notable examples include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Open Government

Many voters have become disillusioned with the lack of transparency among government entities and political candidates. The concept of open government, in turn, represents part of a movement that pushes toward greater clarity and accountability. 

Open government initiatives often include the release of public records and the implementation of transparency data policies. The approach aims to build trust between governments and the governed. Many proponents of open government are also advocating for greater public participation.

Data Activism 

Data activism involves leveraging information to drive change, be it social or political. Activists collect and share data to highlight issues, advocate for policies or candidates, and hold institutions accountable. The practice can expose inequalities or support grassroots movements. 

Data activism also has an uncanny ability to influence public opinion by presenting constituents with empirical evidence. Your organization can tap into this facet of data politics to mobilize communities around your cause and garner support for key initiatives. 

How Data Politics Can Impact Your Campaign 

Data politics represents both a barrier and an asset. Here are a few aspects of campaigning that are being influenced by data politics: 

Voter Profiling

Voter profiling requires extensive information about your target audience. Open data movements are drawing attention to consumer privacy concerns and leading to major changes in the way entities collect and store data. In response, you may have to rethink how you collect information and profile voters. 

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics makes use of historical data and statistical models to forecast election outcomes and voter behavior. If data politics restricts your ability to collect information on your target audience, your forecasts may become less reliable. Fortunately, you can overcome changing data policies by outsourcing collection and analysis responsibilities to reputable third-party providers. 

Micro-Targeting

Micro-targeting involves delivering customized messages to small, specific groups of voters. While that can increase the relevance of content, it can also come off as intrusive if you get too specific or detailed with your messaging. Overpersonalization may lead constituents to question how much information you are gathering and whether you are sourcing it ethically. 

Social Media and Digital Campaigning

Social media represents one of the most powerful tools for collecting voter data and connecting with audiences. It has also become a robust mechanism for data activism. If you are going to use social media as an information collection tool, you must be transparent about your activities and always offer users clear opt-in/opt-out opportunities.  

Ethical Considerations in Data Politics

Data politics has put the spotlight on information collection and analysis processes, raising important ethical questions as a result. The use of personal data for political purposes must be approached with transparency and consent. Always demonstrate a response for user privacy and provide a clear means of opting out.

Afterward, you must shift your focus to another concern: security. As a data collector, you are responsible for safeguarding the information you accumulate and store on your servers. If you fail to do so, and that data is then compromised, your campaign could face reputational damage, fines, and other repercussions. 

Lastly, you must address biases. Data analytics tools are not infallible. Be mindful of potential biases in data collection and analysis so that you do not mistreat or otherwise discriminate against voters. 

Source Your Data From Aristotle 

Altogether, data politics represent an ethical quagmire. One misstep can erode constituents’ trust in your candidate and cause. Therefore, it’s vital that you source your data from a reputable provider that adheres to the latest compliance and regulatory standards.

Aristotle, a leader in political data, has an ethically sourced database that includes tens of millions of records. We also provide data management and compliance solutions designed to preserve voter trust while safeguarding your campaign’s reputation. Schedule a demo to learn more about our suite of solutions.