Relevance to Theme: Current models of data governance tend to concentrate access to data in the hands of a few large technology companies—excluding citizens from sharing in their value. Recent scandals have also illustrated the extent to which these data governance models make us vulnerable to attacks on our privacy rights, and other human rights abuses.
New approaches to data governance are necessary to ensure the development of human-centric data governance frameworks that promote digital inclusion and empower individuals to share in the benefits of data and artificial intelligence.
This workshop will explore the conditions under which new data governance tools, such as data trusts, can provide individuals with a greater measure of control over their personal data; create transparency regarding data transactions; increase access to data and foster innovation; address asymmetries of power that exist between corporations, the government and individuals; enhance the protection of individual privacy and other human rights; and, empower the public to use their data to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Relevance to Internet Governance: Data trusts have the potential to reinforce data governance by including a multiplicity of stakeholders in their governance structures, including government, the private sector and civil society organizations--particularly in the context of public sector projects (i.e. smart cities) where citizen participation is required. The workshop will explore the structures, norms, decision-making procedures necessary for data trusts to tackle power asymmetries, protect data subjects' rights and protect the public interest in data and artificial intelligence.