《THE DATING BROKERS》
- Real-Time Video Installation
- Dimensions Variable ，2018
- Technical development | Ramin Soleymani
- This project has been commissioned by Tactical Tech
In May 2017 Joana MOLL and Tactical Tech purchased 1 million online dating profiles for 136€ from USDate, a US-based company that trades in dating profiles from all over the globe. The batch of dating profiles we purchased included pictures (almost 5 million of them), usernames, e-mail addresses, nationality, gender, age and detailed personal information about all of the people who had created the profiles, such as their sexual orientation, interests, profession, thorough physical characteristics and personality traits. Purchasing this data exposed a vast network of companies that are capitalising on this information without the conscious consent of the users, whom ultimately are the ones being exploited. This project attempts to make parts of that network, and how it works, visible to everyone. Where do these profiles come from? The Dating Brokers also provide booklets that show the research of the project which discloses very important information to understand the project better.
