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 […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: How Can You Learn More About Data and AI Ethics?
It was about this time last year that I pitched the team at DATAVERSITY the idea of this monthly column on data ethics. There’s certainly been no shortage of interesting questions to cover and I’ve enjoyed writing about both the practical and more philosophical aspects of this topic. As we wrap up this year and […]
Large Language Models 101
Large language models (LLMs), built on the transformer architecture of deep learning, are designed to process very high volumes of textual data at a high speed. LLMs also have the power to generate new text and interact with human language innovatively. Training on different types of data, including articles, books, periodicals, and websites, LLMs develop […]
A Brief History of Data Ethics
In this digital age, where data is an increasingly integral asset for every organization, the ethical implications surrounding data collection, storage, and usage have become prominent. The evolution and history of data ethics is a complex journey that connects technological advancements with societal values and legal frameworks. Understanding this evolution requires examining key historical milestones and the […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: When Is It OK to Use “Fake” Data?
It’s easier than ever to use AI-generated images or text and to create synthetic data for use in research. A recent high-profile story got me thinking more about this question: When is it OK to use “fake” data? Before we dive into this, I’m putting “fake” in quotes because I’m taking a wide perspective on […]
Data Ethics 101
The term “data ethics” refers to a set of guidelines that ensure data collection, use, and management processes respect privacy and security while safeguarding fairness. This includes considering the implications of data collection methods, the transparency of algorithms used to process information, and how decisions based on data analysis might affect individuals and communities. What […]
Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Responsible AI Integration
In late 2023, significant attention was given to building artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to predict post-surgery complications, surgical risk models, and recovery pathways for patients with surgical needs. This naturally elevated the appropriate debate of whether using AI in this manner would result in hospitals and providers prioritizing revenue from automation over excellence in patient […]
Building AI Literacy in Your Organization
AI applications are used across industry sectors – in business data analysis, healthcare, finance, and even in personalized learning experiences. However, the concept of “AI literacy” goes beyond a mere understanding of AI technologies. It’s about critical thinking and interpreting the world around us through AI technologies. It’s about understanding how AI systems work and being capable of evaluating […]
Ask a Data Ethicist: What Happens When Language Becomes Data?
At a recent presentation for a local post-secondary institution, I fielded a number of questions related to the use of language, primarily English language texts, as training data for generative AI. There were questions around cultural impacts and related ethical concerns. These queries were more nuanced than the usual ones I get around copyright or […]
Now Is the Time for Executives to Deploy Ethical Rules Around AI
For better or worse, AI is causing disruption in almost every field imaginable. Corporations around the world are embracing its possibilities to make work more efficient. The success of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools has also caught the attention of nearly every industry in an effort to meet profitability, efficiency, and sustainability goals. Money […]