Mobile app-mediated data colonialism: Research on indie mobile app developers

Within the contemporary digital media landscape, the acquisition and mastery of digital data have attained paramount significance. Those who possess the capacity to govern data also wield the potential to harness its potent influence. Consequently, diverse methodologies are being devised to infiltrate the most private domains of individuals, with the ultimate objective of asserting control over data. Mobile devices, whose ubiquity has soared since the early 2000s, are strategically positioned by technology enterprises in close proximity to users, effectively extending the individual's sphere of existence. The critique of these devices to remain tethered to the internet is paramount for their operational effectiveness, prompting the mobilization of all available technological advancements to ensure seamless connectivity. Mobile apps, designed specifically for mobile devices, have become ubiquitous fixtures in the daily lives of users. Initially conceived for specific functionalities, they have evolved into versatile software tools with extensive utility, fueled by their constant accessibility and interactive nature. This ubiquity and versatility necessitate a critical lens through which to examine their role in mobile communication, particularly their function as instruments for harnessing data. This research centers on the apprehension of user data exploitation, drawing an analogy to the historical pursuit of raw materials during colonialism. By framing user data as a valuable resource, this lens highlights concerns about the potential exploitation of human life in the context of mobile apps and underscores the need for a thorough examination of their impact and ethical implications. Indie developers, the architects of mobile apps, occupy a unique vantage point in the landscape of data colonialism. As close observers of the process, they offer valuable insights into potential resistance against dataveillance. An ethnographic study was conducted to explore this perspective, examining developers' strategies for evading surveillance and their reactions to such monitoring. Online in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 indie developers located in the developer communities on Discord, Slack and X platforms and determined through purposeful sampling. In-depth interviews were subjected to thematic analysis using inductive coding on the MAXQDA2020 program. In addition, in order to reinforce the findings from in-depth interviews, documents regarding the privacy policies of Apple and Google, the creators of the most preferred app stores for mobile apps, were also examined by document analysis using the MAXQDA 2020 program. The findings revealed a deep understanding among developers of personal data issues and the intricate surveillance mechanisms employed by tech companies. While their resistance is evident, it currently manifests primarily at the individual level, lacking a strong collective dimension. However, the study identified diverse strategies employed by developers, showcasing their ingenuity in navigating the challenges of surveillance. These insights are not only relevant but also instructive for ordinary users. The expertise of indie developers provides valuable tools and perspectives for navigating the complex terrain of data privacy in the digital age. Keywords: Surveillance, Counter-Surveillance, Dataveillance, Data Colonialism, Critical Data Studies, Data-Driven Advertising, App Studies.