The Data Code of Ethics adopted by industry leaders
The largest Russian companies were the first to support the Data Code of Ethics. oneFactor, MegaFon, Mail.ru, Yandex, Gazprom-Media Holding, Gazprombank, Qiwi Bank, VTB, MTS, Beeline, Rostelecom, Sberbank, Skolkovo, Tinkoff Bank, and Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation signed the document.
On December 12, at the World Trade Center, as part of the Russian Internet Week (RIW 2019), the Data Code of Ethics was solemnly signed. The joint work of industry leaders, government and civil society allowed to develop clear and transparent principles for working with data. The provisions of the new industry self-regulation act will apply to all data types for affiliates
and organizations.
According to the the Code, the provisions of the document will become the basis for self-regulation of data market participants in their interaction with citizens, legal entities, the state and among themselves. The document applies to work with all types of data: from user to industrial.
The Code includes the principles of professional ethics in the collection, processing and use of data, it also involves the creation and maintenance of a register of bona fide participants. The provisions of the Code are called upon to become the basis for creating real-life legislative initiatives in the field of regulation, as they have been developed by data turnover participants themselves, who understand the market well, are familiar with possible scenarios for the use of technologies in the future.
The integral part of the Code is the White Paper, which contains examples of responsible behavior in relation to data handling. The book should be a guide for market participants and have a positive impact on the development of the industry as a whole. The constant maintenance and updating of the White Paper will contribute to the implementation of best business practices in the field of data use.
Data Code of Ethics Objectives:
● Consolidate the basic principles of stakeholder engagement — state, citizens, business;
● Formulate universal rules defining the boundaries of acceptable behavior for the entire professional community;
● Create the basis for subsequent regulatory initiatives in the field of data.
“The uniqueness of the Code lies in the fact that the largest companies in the data market decided that this document was needed, developed it and, moreover, voluntarily took over obligations to comply with all provisions. The Code is a living document, it consists not only of a set of principles and a White Paper, but also of daily work to improve regulation and develop new approaches to technological initiatives. To conduct this work, a code of ethics for working with data is created within the framework of the Code, it will determine a list of good practices, fill the White Book with specific examples. The Council is called upon to ensure the continued relevance of those principles and rules set forth in the document that apply in Russia. Also, within the framework of the Code, we are creating a Register of bona fide data market participants, it includes, first of all, those who have already supported the Code, but we will consider applications from everyone who wants to join the initiative and show their bona fide attitude to the data market and its participants. For business, good faith is not empty words. The largest players who initiated the creation of the Code, it is important that their customers, the people for whom these companies work, to trust those who provide them with services and sell goods. Therefore, the good faith of large Russian Internet players, financial companies, advanced banks or telecom operators for them means, first of all, the trust of the customers. This is what we all work for”, — comments president of the Big Data Association Anna Serebryanikova.
The focal point of the Council for improving data practices will be the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation, the council will also include representatives of other government organizations.
“The creation of a Code of Ethics is an important milestone for the domestic data industry. Indeed, as practice shows, those norms and principles that are developed by the participants in the relations themselves are best applied and observed. Work on the Code was conducted taking into account the interests of all parties involved: business, the state and society, therefore it is especially important to note the consensus that was reached in the presented version of the document. However, this does not mean that the work is over, the digital world is dynamic, the emergence of new technologies, algorithms will require a reaction. We have created a “living” document, which will be updated and supplemented at reasonable intervals”, — said chairman of the board of the Internet Development Institute Sergey Petrov.
A code of ethics for the use of data will be open to new members who are ready to join and support the declared principles and norms. A section on the Code of Ethics will appear on the website of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation; the current version of the document will be posted there. It will also be possible to find information on the procedure for joining there, to find the current composition of the Codex Register of Participants and the Council for Improving Data Practices.
The Big Data Association (ABD) was created in Russia in the fall of 2018. The main goal of the association is to create conditions for the development of technologies and products in the field of big data in Russia.
oneFactor is a co-founder and initiator of the creation of ABD. Roman Postnikov, CEO of oneFactor leads the Association’s Technology Committee.
