Respond to the following:

• Of the four principles of data ethics listed in Box 10.4 in Chapter  10 (fairness, accountability, transparency, and explainability), which  three of them seem most fundamental to achieving ethical data use for  individuals?
• What’s the difference between lawfully obtaining personal data and having accountability for obtaining it?
• Provide specific examples of behaviors that you could follow that  apply each of the four principles as they relate to data that you would  need to collect for the development of the project scenario app.

Be sure to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts.

  

 Hari Rao Kurupathi             

 

Hello everyone,

Of  the four principles of data ethics listed in Box 10.4 in Chapter 10  (fairness, accountability, transparency, and explainability), three seem  most fundamental to achieving ethical data use for individuals.

Data  ethics help ensure that the data is used appropriately and responsibly  by the organizations collecting it. While all four principles of data  ethics are essential, the three that resonate with me the most are

• Transparency –  Organizations need to be transparent about why they are using the data  and make it easily accessible and understandable to everyone on demand 
• Fairness  – The purpose of collecting the data must not have any discriminatory  intent on specific individuals or groups. It must be collected in a way  that stays consistent with the public interest and adheres to democratic  values. 
• Accountability –  The people who provide the data to the various organizations must have  the ability to maintain oversight and control over the decisions made by  the companies. Accountability helps with delivering governance to the  data being collected. (1) 

What’s the difference between lawfully obtaining personal data and having accountability for obtaining it?

• Lawfully obtaining personal data:  When organizations try to process personal data, they need to do it  lawfully. For example – the user has provided consent to process the  data, all the legal obligations have been met, the vital interests of a  person are protected, etc. Users also need to know how their data is  handled and for what purpose. The data collected should not be  mishandled or misused. The organization needs to be open, honest, and  clear about who they are, how they plan to use the personal information,  and why they collect the data. 
• Accountability for obtaining the data:  Organizations must have records and compliance to prove they are  keeping the data safe and secure. Documentation can help create an audit  trail and provide proof when authorities request it. Furthermore,  organizations also need to maintain the integrity and privacy of the  data collected and protect it from internal and external threats. The  data must also be protected from accidental loss or damage. (2) 

Please  provide specific examples of behaviors that you could follow that apply  each of the four principles as they relate to data that you would need  to collect for the development of the project scenario app

• Transparency  – Let’s take the example of the DHS project. While collecting data from  the end users, the border patrol, immigration officers, and other law  enforcement, we need to ensure they understand our cookie policy to  provide a personalized experience. The end users must also review the  cookie policies at any time and accept or decline them. 
• Fairness  – An organization must avoid unnecessary biases that negatively impact  business decisions. Organizations must be transparent, inclusive, and  open while gathering user data. 
• Accountability:  Organizations need to hold themselves accountable while collecting data  from users. They need to not only clarify how the data will be used in  their analysis but also be responsible for compensating their users if  there are data breaches and sensitive data is exposed to malicious users 
• Explainability –  Organizations need to be able to explain their decision-making process  to their users in an easily understandable way. For example, smartphone  manufacturers can notify customers how their usage data can help with  adding new features to the phone 

Sources:

1. Government digital services – Data ethics framework – Retrieved from – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/923108/Data_Ethics_Framework_2020.pdf 
2. Onetrust.com – Understanding the seven principles of GDPR – May 17, 2021 – Retrieved from – https://www.onetrust.com/blog/gdpr-principles/