A lot of times, ethical issues in AI systems arise from the most mundane types of decisions made about data such as how it is processed and prepared for machine learning (ML) projects. I’ve been reading Designing Machine Learning Systems by Chip Huyen, which is filled with practical advice about design choices in machine learning […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: Is Consent the Wrong Approach for Modern Data Regulation?
Asking for consent to collect and use someone’s data as the basis for legitimate processing of that data is key to our data privacy regulations and is also ethical. However, many people agree that consent is broken and that we don’t really have meaningful consent given the power imbalances between big tech organizations and the […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: How Is Price Optimization a Data Ethics Issue?
Companies tend to want to optimize their pricing, while consumers generally try to find the best deal possible. Traditionally, we’ve navigated the tension in ways that respect ethical norms and, of course, laws such as anti-gouging and anti-price discrimination where applicable. At a moment when tariffs are set to raise prices and the cost of […]
Balancing Generative AI Risk with Reward
Have you heard the story about the lawyer who used ChatGPT to conduct legal research and unknowingly cited non-existent cases in a New York federal court filing? The GenAI tool just made them up. Did you know that X’s Grok accused Golden State Warriors Guard Klay Thompson of vandalizing a string of homes in Sacramento after misinterpreting tweets about […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: How Can We Ethically Assess the Influence of AI Systems on Humans?
From entertainment to online shopping to chatbots, Al systems are exerting influence across many aspects of our lives. The impacts are widespread, shaping our belief systems, our voting decisions, and our well-being. Yet, not all influence is unethical, which leads to this question … How can we ethically assess the influence of AI systems on […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: How Can Organizations Build Capacity for Data and AI Ethics Work?
In January, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote at EDGO 2025. There were so many fantastic questions – too many to get to during the event. Afterwards, I got a note from the CEO of Measured Strategies, Karen Menard, with a great question: “One of the things I keep hearing about is the […]
An Appetite for AI: Trends and Predictions for 2025
As we begin 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) shows no signs of slowing down. It’s not only providing us with a glimpse into the future – but has become a force in reshaping our present in unimaginable ways. Whether it’s transforming how businesses operate or redefining our daily interactions, AI’s integration across various sectors suggests a […]
Data Sips: Interview with Karen Lopez
Data Sips is a new video miniseries presented by Ippon Technologies and DATAVERSITY that showcases quick conversations with industry experts from last month’s Data Governance & Information Quality (DGIQ) Conference in Washington, D.C. The second episode of the series features Karen Lopez, senior project manager and architect at InfoAdvisors, chatting with host Steve MacLauchlan, head […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: What Is the Appropriate Etiquette When Using AI Tools?
Most of us understand how to behave in different social situations and interact with others in ways that are deemed acceptable. Yet, when we bring AI tools into the mix, we create the capacity for friction because the social norms for using these tools are not yet clear. Which raises this question … What is […]
Data Governance Trends in 2025
As organizations enter 2025, it is time to reflect on the significant trends that shaped data governance in 2024 and anticipate what lies ahead. Multiple factors have driven the rapid evolution of data governance frameworks, including advancements in technology, increased regulatory oversight, and shifting business priorities. To continually improve data governance, it is critical to review key […]