Miranda Marcus

At the ODI (Open Data Institute) we define data ethics as “a branch of ethics that evaluates data practises with the potential to adversely impact on people and society – in data collection, sharing and use”. Given the close relationship between data and AI, understanding the social context of data’s collection, sharing and use has a profound impact on the way that emerging technologies such as AI will be built. Bias in data is amplified through algorithmic infrastructures so developing a critical understanding and methods for engaging with such issues is vital for harnessing future technology which contributes to building a positive future. In this talk, I will focus specifically on the Data Ethics Canvas, a non-technical, collaborative tool which aims to support people using data to create a shared understanding and language around their data use and its potential implications. This has been developed as part of an applied, interdisciplinary research programme which draws on social science methodologies.