Aspects of Data Ethics in a Changing World: Where Are We Now?

The automation of measurement and data collection procedures, coupled with the development of vast capacity for data storage and the creation of highly sophisticated tools for analyzing and processing data, often in real time, is radically changing the world in which we live. This has prompted considerable debate, both philosophical and legal, about the right, legitimate, and proper ways to use such data. Also, since there is no absolute authority to whom we can appeal for guidance, it is important that we, the data creators, suppliers, and users, should engage with these ethical considerations. Emphasis naturally tends to be on the side of risk and protection, but we must always bear in mind the need for a proper balance between risk and benefit. Zero risk can be attained only at the cost of zero benefit, but the potential benefit from new data technologies is vast. Or, as leading data ethicists Floridi and Taddeo1 put it: "On the one hand, overlooking ethical issues may prompt ...