EPISODE 1

Data Privacy in 2021: Embracing the paradox

Conversation with Michelle Teis and Dr. Tom Verhelst

“Data can be either useful or perfectly anonymous but never both” – Ohm, 2009.

This sober conclusion encapsulates a realisation we contemplate regularly as data analysts, scientists, data practitioners and decision makers.

Acknowledging and balancing the tradeoffs between useful and anonymous data and the related ethical implications of accessing, sharing and storing these data is a part of each and every data partnership we form.

Ethical frameworks are living documents and outline ways of working. While there are some standard components, ethical frameworks are applied differently depending on the contexts in which, and by whom they are applied.

How then do we protect peoples’ right to privacy while working transparently to address complex and highly-nuanced socio-economic problems? How do we balance this trade-off between useful and anonymous data? What does working with data ethically actually mean and where do you start?

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach us on Twitter at @G_RIDL or by email at [email protected]. Griffith University and the Relational Insights Data Lab (RIDL) are dedicated to building and supporting thriving communities. We believe that the right data, in the hands of the right people, can change lives for the better. We are committed to collaborating and co-designing solutions which address long standing, complex socio-economic problems. If you or your organisation would like to collaborate or learn more about the important work we do, please get in touch. We'd love to hear why data matters to you.

Thank you for listening to Show Me the Data.

www.ridl.com.au

Broken Promises of Privacy (2009) by Paul Ohm 

https://www.industry.gov.au/news/our-data-strategy-2021-2024 

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/