Pushing the limits of accountability: big data analytics containing and controlling COVID-19 in South Korea

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how big data analytics pushed the limits of individuals' accountability as South Korea tried to control and contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw upon Deleuzo-Guattarian framework elaborating how a surveillant assemblage was rhizomatically created and operated to monitor a segment of the population holding them accountable. Publicly available secondary data, such as press release from the government and media coverage, were used.FindingsA COVID-19 Smart Management System and a Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App constituted a surveillance assemblage operating in a “state-form”. This comprises the central government departments, local councils, policing systems, providers of telecommunication and financial services, and independent groups of people. This assemblage pushed the limits of accountability as individuals who tested positive or might bear possible future risks of the infection and transmission were held accountable for their locations and health conditions.Practical implicationsPolicymakers may consider constructing this type of state-form for containing and controlling pandemics, such as COVID-19, while dealing with the issue of undermined privacy.Social implicationsThe mass may consider to what extent individuals' personal information should be protected and how to hold the governments accountable for the legitimate use of such information.Originality/valueWhile accountability studies have largely focussed on formal organisations, the authors illustrated how a broader context of a state-form, harnessing big data analytics, pushes the limits of accountability.

The pervasive role of accounting and accountability during the COVID-19 emergency

“…We identify three main emerging themes. The first is the use of accounting and accountability practices by governments when making extraordinary decisions in response to the pandemic (Mitchell et al , 2021; Ahrens and Ferry, 2021; Ahmad et al , 2021; Ahn and Wickramasinghe, 2021). The second is the use of accounting, numbers and calculative practices by businesses, not-for-profit organisations and charities to navigate the pandemic (Carungu et al , 2021; Velayutham et al , 2021; Delfino and van der Kolk, 2021; Passetti et al , 2021; Sargiacomo et al , 2021a; Kober and Thamber, 2021; Huber et al , 2021).…”

Data-Driven Analytics Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Era of COVID-19: An Insightful Review of Recent Developments

“…For example, South Korea has implemented an epidemic investigation support system (EISS) in which data from multiple companies (e.g., credit card, mobile carrier, and pharmacies etc.) is fed into it [58]. The EISS has an ability to collect and share the data with relevant and authorized entities.…”

Accounting for unstable environments in the public sector: managing post-COVID-19 times

“…Therefore, despite the availability of many sources of data, a reductionist approach may prevail giving more value to the financial issues rather than the social one (Bracci et al, 2021). Of course accessible data, and new technologies at play, can extend the surveillance mechanism over population justified by the emergency but can risk to stay even after to exert control (Ahn and Wickramasinghe, 2021). As Leoni et al (2021) underline "it will be thus interesting to see how the "new normal" post-COVID-19 will continue to perpetuate neo-liberal models or rather witness the rise of alternative ones" (Leoni et al, 2021(Leoni et al, , p. 1310.…”