Free Expression, Privacy & Data
CDT Submits Comments to NTIA on Ethical Guidelines for Research Using Pervasive Data
Yesterday, CDT submitted comments to NTIA in response to its request for input on ethical guidelines for research using pervasive data. CDT’s comments emphasize the importance of the ethical use of pervasive data through independent research to inform the governance of technology. Given the limitations of existing ethics guidance and the need to advance ethical research to develop knowledge and improve users’ experiences, government and civil society should explore the establishment and application of ethical norms that allow for rigorous research with pervasive data that serves the interests of users and society. In doing so, CDT’s comments argue that ethical principles for research using pervasive data should:
- Consider the unique characteristics and risk factors that accompany research with specific kinds of data;
- Acknowledge the differences in power that exist between online services, researchers, and research subjects;
- Emphasize minimizing legal risks to users when researchers work with pervasive data; and
- Account for the heightened risk to children in research with pervasive data.
CDT’s comments contain contributions from Aliya Bhatia, Nathalie Maréchal, Greg Nojeim, Eric Null, Kate Ruane, Dhanaraj Thakur.