{ "item_title" : "The Human in the Machine", "item_author" : [" Ron Antosko "], "item_description" : "The Human in the Machine is a clear, provocative, and deeply human exploration of how emerging identity technologies-biometric IDs, social-scoring systems, and self-sovereign credentials-are reshaping what it means to participate in modern society. Instead of treating these technologies as abstract or distant, the book shows how they are already influencing daily life: how we access services, prove who we are, build trust, and navigate increasingly digital environments. It is written for curious citizens, technologists, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand the future of identity before it arrives fully.The book begins by examining the rise of biometric identification, from fingerprint scanners and facial recognition to gait analysis and behavioral biometrics. Readers learn how these systems work, why they are expanding rapidly, and how they promise both convenience and risk. Concepts like identity assurance, false positives, data permanence, and algorithmic bias are explained in clear, accessible language. The goal is to help readers understand how biometrics can strengthen security while also raising profound questions about privacy and autonomy.From there, The Human in the Machine explores the controversial world of social scoring-systems that evaluate behavior, reliability, or trustworthiness using digital signals. Readers discover how reputation algorithms already shape online marketplaces, financial decisions, and access to services. Real-world examples illustrate how scoring systems can reward positive behavior, reinforce inequality, or create invisible barriers. The book encourages readers to think critically about who designs these systems, what values they encode, and how they influence human dignity.A major theme throughout the book is self-sovereign identity (SSI)-a decentralized model that gives individuals control over their credentials, data, and digital footprint. Readers learn how SSI works, why it is gaining global momentum, and how it could transform everything from healthcare access to education verification to cross-border mobility. The book highlights how SSI offers a hopeful alternative to centralized databases and surveillance-heavy systems, empowering individuals to decide what they share and with whom.The book also explores the emotional and ethical dimensions of living in a world where identity is increasingly mediated by machines. Readers reflect on questions such as: What does trust look like when algorithms evaluate us? How do we preserve humanity when digital systems shape opportunity? How do we balance safety with freedom, efficiency with empathy, and innovation with rights?Throughout the book, the tone remains humble, thoughtful, and accessible. Complex technological concepts are translated into everyday language, making the content approachable for readers of all backgrounds. By the end, readers feel informed, empowered, and ready to engage with the future of identity-not as passive subjects, but as active participants shaping the rules of the digital age.Ultimately, The Human in the Machine is a roadmap for understanding how identity technologies will redefine human life-and how we can ensure that humanity remains at the center of the systems we build.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers3.booksamillion.com/covers/bam/9/79/819/304/9798193044758_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "11.99", "online_price" : "11.99", "our_price" : "11.99", "club_price" : "11.99", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10", "store_price" : "" } }

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