All you need is (Love,) Transparency, Accountability and Fairness – Your way in on data ethics
Anne Huber, Chief of Staff at Profusion
The world of data ethics can be VERY overwhelming and if you aren’t a German or Greek philosopher on holiday on the Az[u]re(s) all of this might not come natural to you.
If you didn’t get the joke, don’t worry, it was a bit of a stretch. If you did get the joke, I’m sorry, I’m German and we don’t know how humour works.
Why is it so complex?
Data ethics is a multifaceted and complex topic because it involves a wide range of stakeholders, ethical principles, and legal frameworks. The increasing amount of data generated and collected by various organisations and individuals has raised concerns about how this data is being used and who has access to it. Data ethics refers to the principles and guidelines that govern the collection, storage, use, and dissemination of data in a responsible and ethical manner.
Moreover, data ethics is a rapidly evolving field, and new ethical challenges may arise as technology advances and new forms of data collection and analysis become possible. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has raised concerns about the potential for algorithmic bias and discrimination, while the use of facial recognition technology has raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Data ethics is a complex topic because it involves a wide range of issues and considerations that intersect with various fields and disciplines. At its core, data ethics concerns how we collect, use, and manage data in a responsible and ethical manner that upholds human rights and values. However, this simple definition belies the complexity of the issues involved.
One of the main reasons data ethics is so complex is because data itself is complex. Data can take many forms, from structured data in databases to unstructured data in social media posts, and it can be collected and used for a variety of purposes. This means that ethical considerations around data are also multifaceted and varied. For example, the ethical implications of using data for targeted advertising may be different from those of using data for medical research.
Another reason why data ethics is complex is because it involves a wide range of stakeholders with differing interests and perspectives. These stakeholders may include individuals whose data is being collected, processed, and analysed, as well as the organizations and individuals who collect and use this data. Governments and regulatory bodies also play a role in shaping data ethics by creating laws and regulations that govern data use and protection. Balancing the interests of all these stakeholders can be challenging, as their interests and values may conflict with one another.
Finally, data ethics is complex because it is inherently interdisciplinary. It draws on knowledge and expertise from a wide range of fields, including computer science, law, philosophy, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary nature means that discussions around data ethics can be complex and technical, requiring a deep understanding of the underlying concepts and principles.
Data ethics is complex (that’s clear by now) but some of us just want to understand the basics! So let me tell you how you can get an understanding of what data ethics is all about without spending a lot of time on it: Here are three websites that will help you and the way I recommend using them.
The obvious one: ICO - https://ico.org.uk/
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent regulator for data protection and privacy. One of the key areas of their work is to ensure that individuals' personal data is handled in an ethical and responsible way by businesses, organizations, and governments.
In terms of informing people about data ethics issues and news, the ICO publishes guidance and resources on their website that cover a wide range of data ethics topics. These include guidance on how to comply with data protection laws and regulations, how to manage data breaches, and how to ensure that data is used in an ethical and transparent way. The ICO also provides advice and guidance to individuals who have concerns about how their data is being handled.
In addition to their guidance and partnerships, the ICO also conducts investigations and enforcement actions against organizations that breach data protection laws or act in an unethical manner with regards to data. Gossip alert!
Overall, the ICO plays a vital role in promoting ethical and responsible handling of data in the UK. Through their guidance, partnerships, and enforcement actions, they help to ensure that individuals' personal data is protected and used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Top tip – subscribe to their newsletter. Like that you don’t have to be reminded to go on their website to learn about data ethics, the information will come to you!
2. Understanding the world around data ethics: ODI - https://odi.org/en/
The Open Data Institute (ODI) is a non-profit organization based in the UK that is dedicated to promoting the use of open data for social and economic benefit. One of the areas that the ODI focuses on is data ethics, and they have developed a range of resources and initiatives to help individuals and organisations navigate the complex ethical issues surrounding data.
One of the key ways that the ODI informs people about data ethics issues and news is through their website, which features a range of articles, blog posts, and resources on data ethics. These resources cover a range of topics, including data protection, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and data governance. In addition to their online resources, the ODI also hosts events and workshops on data ethics, where experts in the field share their knowledge and insights with others.
Overall, the ODI is a leading organization in the field of data ethics, and their resources and initiatives are an invaluable source of information for anyone who wants to stay up to date on developments in this area. By providing practical guidance and resources, the ODI is helping to ensure that data is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Not so surprising top tip – subscribe to their newsletter for the same reason as above. You will learn how other organisations in all kinds of industries deal with innovation, data and ethical questions around those.
3. Understanding the basics of data ethics - Sign up to our newsletter for early access
Profusion developed the Good Data Guide to help organisations understand the principles of data ethics and give actionable advice on data ethics questions. The Good Data Guide was devised in the knowledge that technology develops faster than the law ever can. Too often this gap has been used to push the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. We also know that poor regulation can have a negative impact on innovation. Data ethics moves us from dependence on external constraints to an examination of our own values and standards and how they apply to our data practices. Data analytics, machine learning and AI, are not sui generis, but rather sit on the same ethical continuum as every other human activity.
Top tip – download the guide, understand the guiding principles of Transparency, Accountability and Fairness and then keep the guide to refer back to it when you have a specific data ethics question. If you get stuck contact us!