CDPD panel on data dignity in Brussels
In week 21, the Computers, Privacy & Data Protection (CPDP) conference took place in Brussels.
The Nordic Centre for Internet and Society
In week 21 (22-24 May) the Computers, Privacy & Data Protection (CPDP) conference took place in Brussels. On 23 May, the Nordic Centre for Internet and Society hosted a panel entitled “A call for data dignity: Is there a need for a new right to be seen in the age of artificial intelligence?”.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data has sparked a vital debate about privacy and individual rights. A recent panel at the CPDP conference in Brussels highlighted the emerging concept of "data dignity." Christian Fiesler moderated and organized the session and Christoph Lutz was a panelist. Both are members of The Nordic Center of Internet and Society. The panel line-up was complemented by Vanesa Vargas (Bucharest University of Economic Studies), Eduard Fosch-Villaronga (Leiden University) and Aurelia Tamò-Larrieux (University of Lausanne).
Data dignity emphasizes individuals' right to understand and influence how their data is used. This concept extends beyond current privacy laws by focusing on ethical considerations and the inherent value of individuals in the digital realm. As AI-driven decisions become more prevalent, it is crucial that people are not merely seen as data points but as human beings with rights and dignity.
The experts argued that existing regulations and data practices may be insufficient to address the complexities of AI systems such as large language models, advanced robots and predictive analytics. They called for a stronger focus on aspects of representation, bias and inclusion to ensure individuals can access and control their data. This includes the right to be seen and heard and to challenge AI decisions. The panel had four input presentations by Aurelia Tamò-Larrieux, Eduard Fosch-Villaronga, Christoph Lutz and Vanesa Vargas, touching on aspects such as the concept and definition of data dignity (Tamò-Larrieux), gender, age and other biases in the development of robots (Fosch-Villaronga), the role of large language models in representing occupations and the future of work (Lutz), as well as the value of personal data and privacy (Vargas). After the presentations, stimulating discussions with the audience took place, expertly moderated by Christian Fieseler.
Looking forward to collaborating again in 2025, thank you for the insights and inspiring discussions during these days.