How to design a Data Ethics Framework
Ethics is the hottest topic in tech. It’s also the hottest topic in a variety of other ‘industry verticals’. It’s receiving more attention than ever before.
Too much work is being done to define Data Ethics Principles. Too little work is being done to operationalise them.
This is a gap in the market. It’s a gap we must close if we are to make meaningful progress.
That’s why we focus on operationalising ethics. We do this by designing Data Ethics Frameworks. We then put them to the test, refine them and progressively embed the practices and ‘skills’ into the daily workflows, broader operating structures, technology, design decisions and even incentive structures of highly complex information organisations.
A Data Ethics Framework is the consistent process an organisation executes to decide, document and verify that its data processing activities are socially preferable.
This is hard. We recognise that. It requires bold and courageous leadership. It requires intentional effort. It requires a willingness to evolve.
Here’s why I’m writing this: We want to work with individuals, groups and organisations willing to put in the hard work to design a better future. A future where technology augments rather than constrains us. A future where we, as individuals, are empowered to maximise the amount of time we spend truly experiencing life’s most meaningful moments.
Verifiable trust — along with the role a truly accountable Data Ethics Framework plays — is crucial to us designing a more prosperous and empowering future.
If you agree (even if skeptically), here’s what I’m asking of you:
- Watch the video below
- Critically interrogate the contents
- Share your perspective with us (What are we missing? What haven’t we considered? How can we build upon this? How might we work together?)
If you’d like to go deeper, play around with this prototype.
We can and should work together to tackle the opportunities and challenges our society faces. Our doors (and inboxes) are always open.
