Valid consent

Introduction to Data Ethics

Shalini Kurapati, PhD

Co-founder and CEO, Clearbox AI

Why consent in data ethics?

A pencil drawing of yes and no check boxes.

  • Having control or say over your data
  • Data ownership
  • Personal/privacy sensitive data
  • Intellectual property- copyright
Introduction to Data Ethics

Data ownership and IP

An illustration from Getty Images’ lawsuit, showing an original photograph and a similar image (complete with Getty Images watermark) generated by Stable Diffusion. Image: Getty Images

  • Important to understand who owns the data
  • Copyright- photos, quotes. Someone else's data? you need permission
  • Stability AI example- data used without permission, no royalties
1 https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/17/23558516/ai-art-copyright-stable-diffusion-getty-images-lawsuit
Introduction to Data Ethics

Even for the non-tech stuff

Screenshot of a consent form with various choices on direct quotes.

  • Clarification, granular consent
  • Interviews- direct quotes
  • Plagiarism- copying other's work
  • Subjective data- chance to review the accuracy
1 Interview consent form by School of GeoSciences, The University of Edinburgh
Introduction to Data Ethics

Personal data- focus on the valid

Meme of Saruman trying to look into his Palantir crystal ball, which is blocked by a consent request.

  • Ethical and legal considerations for valid consent for data processing
  • Informed- clear, specific information
  • Freely given- real choice, no power imbalance
    • A photo editing app uses GPS location to activate the account, not freely given consent
    • Can an employee safely refuse employer data request?
  • Special considerations for children
1 Meme source: Andrea Minieri, Clearbox AI
Introduction to Data Ethics

What is in the consent request form?

Illustration of a consent form with a pen that checked a box with red ink.

  • Name and contact details of your organization
  • The purpose of data collection
  • How will you use or reuse the data
  • Third party data sharing
  • Statement that individuals can withdraw consent at any time
Introduction to Data Ethics

Many ways to record consent

Illustration of a tick and a cross button to check the suitable consent option.

  • A clear action like ticking a box
  • Signing a declaration/form
  • Through an email
  • Selecting Yes/No or granular
  • Oral statement (recording)
  • Best at collection stage
1 Icon made by surang from www.flaticon.com
Introduction to Data Ethics

Consent management and individual requests

Illustration of a computer screen with a mouse pointer over an unsubscribe button.

  • Systematic approach for record keeping
  • Automate consent withdrawal process
  • E.g. unsubscribe option for marketing emails
  • Treat consent as personal data, period reviews
Introduction to Data Ethics

Let's practice!

Introduction to Data Ethics

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