Seventeenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

The emerging global banked data that has become a key part of the contemporary data and information terrain raises questions about the roles of data scientists in facilitating the specific implications of digital computational technologies on everyday life. Data scientists have access to potentially sensitive research and non-research data as well as personal data about peoples’ movements, behaviours, and social habits. Data scientists make choices about the design of the mathematical models and algorithms that link information in certain ways. It is likely that the prejudices, misunderstandings, and bias of fallible humans are captured within the software systems that are becoming increasingly influential on human lives. In this focused discussion we consider the developing role of data scientists and consider some practical suggestions about how to best facilitate the ethical governance of data science so that integrity in digital computational technology practice is encouraged. Participants will debate whether data science would benefit from a new code of ethics. A draft code is proposed to facilitate the discussion.