Germany – The speculative Accessories for the Paranoid project is a series of add-on accessories for people who are sceptical about data security.
Designed by Katja Trinkwalder and Pia-Marie Stute, Accessories for the Paranoid explores an alternative approach to surveillance through four ‘parasitic’ objects that are designed to produce fake data. The objects include a webcam that displays fabricated scenes, a device to feed Alexa with fake information, and an algorithm to randomly spread likes, shares and searches on Facebook, YouTube and Google.
While this may seem contradictory, the purpose of the project is to blur our digital profiles and create a fictitious version of our data identities in order to out-smart technology. ‘If attempts to restrict the flow of our personal data would consequentially restrict our access to said services and products as well… do we have no other option but to obey and share?’ ask the designers.
The project expands on some of the themes we explored in Morality Recoded, which questions how creators can navigate moral dilemmas in the technology sector.