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Reported by Katie Cohen, Research Assistant, Centre for Science and Policy and Kate McNeil, CSaP Communications Coordinator
Ethics in an age of rapid technological growth
Digital technology now penetrates every part of our life, says Vinous Ali of Tech UK, speaking at CSAP’s 2019 annual conference. However, the extent to which technology has been integrated into our lives and society, including into decision-making processes which have sensitive and personal consequences, carries with it challenges for marginalised groups. This includes the 11.3 million people in the UK who lack basic digital skills, and women, who currently only receive 1% of investment in tech systems.
Policymakers have a responsibility to respond to these problems by ensuring they actively consider how to best reach the marginalized, by challenging stereotypes surrounding the image of what coders look like, and by facilitating teaching opportunities, argues Ms. Ali. Dr Leonie Tanczer of the UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy echoed this, while highlighting the role of gendered technology designs – including phone sizes and voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri – in perpetuating traditional gender roles. She further emphasised that policymakers must take on responsibility for the protection of vulnerable groups who are negatively affected by the abuse of technology. Her concerns range from the need for protection for women in BAME groups who are disproportionately negatively affected by harassment and cyberstalking, to the need to put in place protections for victims of domestic abuse, who can be placed at risk by smart locks, smart heating systems, and video functionalities in smart devices controlled by their partners.
The UK is well-positioned to set “what the global norms ought to be” surrounding ethical issues in the application of technology, according to David Knight of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This position has been cemented by the work of centres such as the Centre for Data Ethics and AI, and by the work of “fantastic” Information Commissioner’s Office. As the United Kingdom seeks to capitalize upon this foundation, we will have to build upon the evidence base surrounding public trust and seek to strike a balance which allows for both using data to open up the economy and public services, while encouraging public trust. With this in mind, researchers are encouraged to collaborate with the Department, submitting evidence that can help build these foundations.
You can listen to the full session here.
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David: National Data Strategy