LO 8.1.2.A

Learning Objective: List five methods of protecting human rights in the ‘Era of Big Data.’

Review

• Five methods of protecting human rights

Stop High-Tech Profiling. New surveillance tools and data acquisition techniques that can gather detailed information about any person or group create a high risk of profiling and discrimination. Clear limitations and robust audit mechanisms are necessary to ensure that these tools are used in a responsible and fair way.

Ensure fairness in Automated Decisions. Computerized decision-making in areas including employment, health, education, and lending must be evaluated by its impact on people and must protect the interests of those that are affected. Independent review and other remedies may be necessary to assure that a system works fairly.

Respect the Law. Laws and regulations need to be complied with. Big Data misuse must be prevented, and core legal protections, including privacy and freedom of association, must be promoted.

Enhance Individual Control of Personal Information. Personal information that is known to a corporation is sensitive and can potentially damage some groups of people. Individuals should have meaningful control over how a corporation gathers data from them, and how it uses and shares that data.

Protect People from Inaccurate Data. Government and corporate databases must allow everyone to appropriately ensure the accuracy of personal information that is used to make important decisions about them. This requires disclosure of the underlying data, and the right to correct it when inaccurate.