The Ethical Data Discussion Series

The Ethical Data Discussion Series is a collaborative project between the Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative; with the support of De Montfort University and UM6P. The series aims to explore ethical considerations surrounding digital technologies, data collection, and data-driven research. It highlights the importance of providing ethical training for digital professionals. The ongoing set of programmes, originally broadcast on AAU TV, features expert panel discussions on various topics related to data ethics, research, and education.

Series One

Series Two

Series Three

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Series One

Episode 1 – Data Ethics Policy in Higher Education

Data Ethics Policy in Higher Education was the first in the ongoing Ethical Data Discussion series, which aims to explore important topics and questions surrounding digital technology, data collection and data-driven research; highlighting the need for training digital practitioners in the ethics of their craft. Future events will cover themes such as: Human rights, data colonialism, data feudalism, gender and research ethics.

The lively panel discussion took place between African experts in International Development, Data Science, Technology and Education and touched on pressing questions such as whether, and why, it might be time for data ethics to become an integral part of the education curriculum; and how we can can best build capacity for Data Ethics in industry and higher education.

Episode 2 – Human Rights in the Platform Economy

A panel of ICT law, human rights, international development and education policy experts discussed a wide range of questions through the lens of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, discussing what has already been done to identify and mitigate potential harms and what more can be done. Topics covered included the potential impact of AI and related technologies on human rights, and avoiding discrimination against vulnerable and marginalised groups in data use and collection.

Episode 3 – The Ethics of AI in Higher Education

This online event was broadcast as part of a week-long celebration of Africa Universities’ Day 2023, which commemorated the AAU’s 56 years of service to Africa’s higher education sector. The overarching theme of Africa Universities’ Day 2023 was Artificial Intelligence in African Higher Education Institutions.

Given the rapid technological advancements and the increasing significance of AI and data across various industries, the event focused on how these developments (IoT, AR, VR, language processing, etc.) impact teaching, learning, research, collaboration, ethics, privacy, and administrative functions within African Higher Education Institutions. The panel discussed how the rapid technological advancements have influenced the education sector on the Continent, and the ethical considerations arising from these changes.

The panel of experts also explored the role of AI and other emerging technologies in higher education and research, and the challenges this presents for policymakers, educators, researchers, and students, emphasizing the importance of integrating ethics into education.

Series Two

Episode 4 – Unveiling Bias: Navigating Gender Disparities in Data and AI

Gender bias in AI and data is a critical issue that can significantly influence the development and use of technology. Biased datasets and algorithms can perpetuate and worsen gender inequalities, potentially leading to unfair outcomes in areas such as hiring, lending, and predictive analytics. This bias can further reinforce harmful stereotypes and limit opportunities. Addressing gender bias in AI and data requires taking proactive measures to ensure diverse representation in data collection, algorithm development, and decision-making processes. Ethical considerations and accountability are essential to ensure that AI and data technologies promote fairness and equity for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Panellists engaged in thought-provoking dialogue, exploring the impact of biased data on AI algorithms, its implications for marginalized communities, and strategies to mitigate and address gender bias in the development and deployment of AI systems and data-driven technologies.

Episode 5 – Child Protection in the Age of AI

In the age of digitisation and AI, protecting children from potential risks is a critical global concern. This event brought together educators, policymakers, child protection and legal experts to address the urgent need for national and international policies focused on online safety for children. Key discussions emphasised the importance of considering children’s evolving capacities when developing such policies and warned that strict legal applications may sometimes be counterproductive, especially for child victims.

The panel acknowledged the varying levels of digital literacy among caregivers and called for schools to implement digital literacy into their curriculums to ensure consistent online safety education for all children. The necessity of building trust between technology providers, governments, schools and parents was also stressed.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) serves as a vital international framework for child protection in the digital realm, emphasising the need for safeguarding children from harmful content and exploitation. Collaboration among policymakers, educators, and parents is essential to creating a safer online environment. As AI continues to evolve, international cooperation is crucial to balance the benefits of technology while safeguarding children from its potential harms.

Episode 6 – Building Resilient Education Systems through Responsible Research and Innovation

The discussion centred on how emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and virtual reality are reshaping educational methodologies while highlighting the ethical challenges involved, such as data privacy and research integrity. Participants emphasised the need for universities to create responsible assessment frameworks that ensure academic integrity and equitable access to resources, particularly in light of socio-economic disparities affecting technology access.

Collaborative efforts among international stakeholders were deemed essential for developing tailored best practices in research assessment. The importance of building transnational partnerships to share knowledge and resources was underscored. Additionally, the role of responsible research governance emerged as crucial for overcoming digital divides and enhancing education quality.

The potential of generative AI and similar technologies to improve research assessment processes while upholding academic standards was also discussed. Participants stressed the importance of establishing guidelines to protect the rights of all stakeholders involved. Finally, the necessity for unified regulatory frameworks across African universities was highlighted as a means to create a cohesive approach to ethical research practices and capacity development.

Episode 7 – Ethical Challenges of Data and Research in Africa

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Episode 8 – Redefining Power: Data Equity and its role in Social Justice

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