Paperback
Data Ethics of Power
A Human Approach in the Big Data and AI Era
9781035312269 Edward Elgar Publishing
Data Ethics of Power takes a reflective and fresh look at the ethical implications of transforming everyday life and the world through the effortless, costless, and seamless accumulation of extra layers of data. By shedding light on the constant tensions that exist between ethical principles and the interests invested in this socio-technical transformation, the book bridges the theory and practice divide in the study of the power dynamics that underpin these processes of the digitalization of the world.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Data Ethics of Power takes a reflective and fresh look at the ethical implications of transforming everyday life and the world through the effortless, costless, and seamless accumulation of extra layers of data. By shedding light on the constant tensions that exist between ethical principles and the interests invested in this socio-technical transformation, the book bridges the theory and practice divide in the study of the power dynamics that underpin these processes of the digitalization of the world.
Gry Hasselbalch expertly draws on nearly two decades of experience in the field, and key literature, to advance a better understanding of the challenges faced by big data and AI developers. She provides an innovative ethical framework for studying and governing Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Offering both a historical account and a theoretical analysis of power dynamics and their ethical implications, as well as incisive ideas to guide future research and governance practices, the book makes a significant contribution to the establishment of an emerging data and AI ethics discipline.
This timely book is a must-read for scholars studying AI, data, and technology ethics. Policymakers in the regulatory, governance, public administration, and management sectors will find the practical proposals for a human-centric approach to big data and AI to be a valuable resource for revising and developing future policies.
Gry Hasselbalch expertly draws on nearly two decades of experience in the field, and key literature, to advance a better understanding of the challenges faced by big data and AI developers. She provides an innovative ethical framework for studying and governing Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Offering both a historical account and a theoretical analysis of power dynamics and their ethical implications, as well as incisive ideas to guide future research and governance practices, the book makes a significant contribution to the establishment of an emerging data and AI ethics discipline.
This timely book is a must-read for scholars studying AI, data, and technology ethics. Policymakers in the regulatory, governance, public administration, and management sectors will find the practical proposals for a human-centric approach to big data and AI to be a valuable resource for revising and developing future policies.
Critical Acclaim
‘In this concise work, Hasselbalch outlines the ramifications of power with respect to data ethics and cultural data practices. Beginning with definitions of common terminology used in the field, Hasselbalch establishes common ground for readers and takes them through a breadth of power scenarios in various areas of data ethics practice. She explores the influence of power in realistic situations such as policy vacuums and surveillance society. Though a number of publications address data science ethics, what sets this work apart is the robust depth of knowledge the author brings to the topic; she moves beyond a descriptive approach to focus on the interactive relationship between power and data ethics. The text usefully identifies regional differences between the European Union and other areas of the world in light of the EU''s stringent data-protections regime. Given the regional differences and international nature of many data science operations, this work is relevant to students worldwide. Hasselbalch offers a rich bibliography for extended study along with the usual backmatter. Undergraduate and graduate students studying computer science and related technologies will profit from reading the book. Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates.’
– K J Whitehair, CHOICE
‘Data Ethics of Power is an instant classic of technology law and policy. Its wise and topical policy recommendations stand on rigorous philosophical foundations. In Hasselbalch’s work, we are taken on a journey to the origins of ethics, to understand the critical importance of empowering institutions for wise governance of AI. As policymakers work to promote and channel AI, they should find much here to guide their deliberations. Deeply relevant to academics, practitioners, and anyone interested in the future development of advanced technology, Data Ethics of Power revitalizes the field of AI ethics.’
– Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School, US
‘This book offers a unique and timely contribution to the fields of data and AI ethics by examining power structures in both the big data and the AI ethics space. Dr. Hasselbalch provides a paradigm shift in thinking about data ethics and power stating that data ethics is not only about power but also is power. Re-framing the discussion in this way uncovers novel solutions to the pressing problems created by big data and AI. This book is required reading for academics, industry leaders, and policy makers in the data and AI ethics space looking to address the future of data and AI in society on a global scale.’
– Aimee van Wynsberghe, University of Bonn, Germany
‘Data Ethics of Power by Gry Hasselbalch provides a deeply impactful approach to a subject typically bogged down by technical or political dogma by identifying the systems of power that create the highest levels of obfuscation around data. But it is in her revelation that open, unconditional love will provide the individual and communal willingness for genuine change that her words bring essential human healing regarding autonomous data ethics governance.’
– John C. Havens, author of Heartificial Intelligence: Embracing our Humanity to Maximize Machines
‘A recurring criticism of tech ethics is that ideas about responsible innovation are idealizations—aspirational wish lists too far removed from inequitable real-world power struggles. Gry Hasselbalch’s Data Ethics of Power: A Human Approach in the Big Data and AI Era provides a much-needed corrective. This masterful, interdisciplinary work makes a deep, human-centered case for conceptualizing and practicing data ethics as interrogating and negotiating infrastructures of power and their complex underlying cultural conditions.’
– Evan Selinger, Rochester Institute of Technology, US
– K J Whitehair, CHOICE
‘Data Ethics of Power is an instant classic of technology law and policy. Its wise and topical policy recommendations stand on rigorous philosophical foundations. In Hasselbalch’s work, we are taken on a journey to the origins of ethics, to understand the critical importance of empowering institutions for wise governance of AI. As policymakers work to promote and channel AI, they should find much here to guide their deliberations. Deeply relevant to academics, practitioners, and anyone interested in the future development of advanced technology, Data Ethics of Power revitalizes the field of AI ethics.’
– Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School, US
‘This book offers a unique and timely contribution to the fields of data and AI ethics by examining power structures in both the big data and the AI ethics space. Dr. Hasselbalch provides a paradigm shift in thinking about data ethics and power stating that data ethics is not only about power but also is power. Re-framing the discussion in this way uncovers novel solutions to the pressing problems created by big data and AI. This book is required reading for academics, industry leaders, and policy makers in the data and AI ethics space looking to address the future of data and AI in society on a global scale.’
– Aimee van Wynsberghe, University of Bonn, Germany
‘Data Ethics of Power by Gry Hasselbalch provides a deeply impactful approach to a subject typically bogged down by technical or political dogma by identifying the systems of power that create the highest levels of obfuscation around data. But it is in her revelation that open, unconditional love will provide the individual and communal willingness for genuine change that her words bring essential human healing regarding autonomous data ethics governance.’
– John C. Havens, author of Heartificial Intelligence: Embracing our Humanity to Maximize Machines
‘A recurring criticism of tech ethics is that ideas about responsible innovation are idealizations—aspirational wish lists too far removed from inequitable real-world power struggles. Gry Hasselbalch’s Data Ethics of Power: A Human Approach in the Big Data and AI Era provides a much-needed corrective. This masterful, interdisciplinary work makes a deep, human-centered case for conceptualizing and practicing data ethics as interrogating and negotiating infrastructures of power and their complex underlying cultural conditions.’
– Evan Selinger, Rochester Institute of Technology, US
Contents
Contents: Preface Introduction to Data Ethics of Power 1. Big Data Sociotechnical Infrastructures (BDSTIs) 2. Sociotechnical change and data ethical governance 3. Artificial Intelligence Sociotechnical Infrastructures (AISTIs) 4. Data interests and data cultures 5. What is data ethics? 6. Conclusion to Data Ethics of Power Bibliography Index
