Introduction into Data and Digitalization Ethics
A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to follow a Data Ethics workshop organized by SURF as part of their 'Responsible Tech' series, led by Piek Knijff (Filosofie in actie). ๐ฅ An inspiring, valuable, and actionable day full of insights and reflection. Truly a balm on my tormented soul ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ฅน.
As someone who has spent considerable time in data and software space and who carries years of lived experience as an intersectional minority surrounded by disproportional amounts of unbearably complacent mannekes, conversations about power, lack/absence of representation and ethics are deeply personal.
Takeaways:
- โ๏ธEthics = systematic reflection on morals
- ๐ Data Ethics ๐ข๐ฌ broader and messier than only Ethics of Algorithms and Models, which is often overlooked
- ๐ ๏ธ There are practical models, tools and methods to bring ethical thinking into data/tech practice, such as:
- 'Filosofie in actie' conversation model
- Canvas Data-Ethiek
- Begeleidingsethiek
- Deda
- AI Ethics Maturity Model
- ODI Data Ethics Maturity Model
- Tada model
- ๐ฑ Ethics is emergent. Use the 'kapstokmethode' to search for possibilities to hook ethical reflection on already existing processes and ways of working within the organization. Small consistent steps, as usual, are the key. As well as languaging. ๐ Maybe, don't call it 'ethicsโ straight ahead... or some people might freak out and run away ๐ฑ๐โโ๏ธ
- โ ๏ธTechno-solutionistic mindset is a trap
- ๐ซฑ๐ฝโ๐ซฒ๐ฟ ๐ฉ We may never reach true objectivity, but intersubjectivity is possible. Ethics isnโt universal, itโs relational. Whatโs โrightโ depends on whoโs at the table and whose values are built into the system. Neutrality is not reachable, but awareness, representation, and accountability are.
- ๐๏ธ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฌ can offer grounding and explicit direction. Some of defined values are:
- Privacy, security, autonomy, human dignity, justice, power relations - Rathenau
- Human rights & dignity, peaceful & just societies, diversity, environmental flourishing - UNESCO
- ๐ ๐คAnd yes, there's so much to read about it if you're curious. Start here.
๐ก Ethics doesnโt have to be abstract or paralyzing. There are ways to make it tangible, but it's a process ๐๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐งญโ๏ธ ๐ง ๐ชถ๐ค๏ธ ๐๏ธ