Loss of information

Loss of data

Nature

As information gets greater, it is even more difficult to keep a track of it. There is less regard for information storage than creation. Data and information are being lost all the time, at great cost to societal development.

Background

The global significance of loss of information emerged with the destruction of ancient libraries, such as Alexandria, highlighting the fragility of collective knowledge. In the 20th century, concerns intensified with the deterioration of physical records and the obsolescence of digital formats. International efforts, including UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, have since underscored the urgency of preserving information, as societies increasingly recognize the irreversible consequences of lost data for cultural heritage and scientific progress.

Incidence

Loss of information is a pervasive issue affecting governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide, with incidents ranging from accidental data deletion to catastrophic system failures. The increasing reliance on digital storage and communication has amplified the risks, leading to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and erosion of public trust. High-profile breaches and data losses have underscored the vulnerability of critical information infrastructures across all sectors.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission reported a major data loss after a cyberattack compromised sensitive voter information dating back to 2014. The breach exposed personal data of millions, highlighting the ongoing global challenge of safeguarding essential records.

Claim

Loss of information is a critical and urgent problem that threatens progress, accountability, and even our collective memory. When data is lost—whether through negligence, poor storage, or deliberate destruction—irreparable damage is done. History, scientific breakthroughs, and vital records can vanish forever, undermining trust and stalling innovation. We must treat information preservation as a top priority, or risk losing the very foundation upon which knowledge and society are built.

Counter-claim

Knowledge is always gained by the orderly loss of information, that is by condensing and abstracting and indexing the proliferating information in society into a form which can be appreciated and comprehended.