Data ethics relates to good practices around how data is collected, used, and shared. It's especially relevant when data activities can impact people and society, either directly or indirectly. Decisions about what data is collected, excluded, and used can affect different groups in society in different ways. Scenarios below highlight the importance of understanding and application of data ethics:
Automated Decision-Making: Automated models, like those using AI, can make decisions such as screening job applicants. If the AI has biases because its training data is limited or doesn’t include a wide range of people, it might unfairly favor or ignore some applicants based on their name or background.
Facial Recognition Technology: Programs that recognize faces might be more or less accurate for some racial or ethnic groups than others, leading to unfair treatment. A facial recognition system might misidentify people of certain races more often, causing problems like wrongful accusations.
Human Subject Research: Research studies should include diverse groups to ensure fair and effective results. If a medical study only includes one gender or race, its results might not be applicable to everyone.
Scientific Integrity: Falsifying data in experiments can lead to harmful or malfunctioning products. If scientists fake their data, a new medicine might not work as promised and could even be dangerous.
Social Media Data: Social media platforms collect data on your activity to show targeted ads. Knowing how this works helps you protect your privacy. Instagram tracks your demographic information, what you like and comment on, and what ads you click on to show you content that they think will engage you on the platform more.
Are there laws surrounding how to collect, use, reuse, or destroy data? Should people's personal privacy be protected? The short answer to both of these questions is: Yes!
Data Laws:
The United States and many other countries have laws regulating data security and privacy. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act in the US set rules for how companies must handle personal data. To learn more about these laws, check out Yale University's International Toolkit on Data Protection Laws.
Privacy Resources:
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC): EPIC is a great resource for issues related to online and data privacy. They have a resource page on US privacy laws.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU provides information on privacy and technology and examples of court cases that deal with these issues. Their privacy and technology page is very informative.
JMU Resources:
Online Privacy and Security Toolkit: A guide to developing good privacy and security practices online. You can visit their understanding online tracking and data collection page for more information.
JMU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB): JMU's IRB offers guidance on maintaining data security. You can visit their data security page for more information.