The Entangling of Problems, Solutions and Markets: On Building a Market for Privacy

An increasing number of public problems have been subject to market-based interventions as solutions. However, the relationship between problems and solutions in market-based interventions is complex. On occasions solutions are reformulated as understanding of the nature of the problem are advanced. Alternatively, problems are reconfigured to fit a standard solution. Or solutions are said to generate numerous new problems. The complex entangling of problems, solutions and markets can be explored by focusing on the field of online privacy. The complexities of this field can be analysed through three science and technology studies (STS) treatments of problems and solutions. First, issue-problematisation can be used to understand the ways in which a problem is assembled and comes to form the focus for discussion as an issue. Second, a paradigm-exemplar approach can assess the extent to which a particular coupling of problem and solution becomes an exemplar for others to draw on. Third, ontological constitution provides a focal point for analysing the ways in which the very nature of entities involved in problems, solutions and markets can be considered. There is analytic utility in each of these approaches in engaging with online privacy regulation and the emerging role of start-ups in introducing new privacy products to an emerging market place. However, these STS approaches leave us with questions regarding the relationship between market solutions and publics, the co-ordination of entities in market solutions and the normative questions that arise from entangling markets, problems and solutions.