Data & Society Research Institute
Data & Society Research Institute is an independent nonprofit that studies the social implications of data-centric technologies, focusing on areas such as AI, human rights, and digital privacy, while ensuring the independence of its research and funding.
Services
The Data & Society Research Institute offers a wide range of research services focusing on the intersection of data-centric technologies and societal impacts. Their research spans various critical areas, including the effects of automation and AI, human rights, and migration. The institute produces original research to inform public debate and ensure that empirical evidence guides the development and governance of new technologies. They also provide recommendations for integrating humanities and social science expertise into AI governance, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches.
History
Founded in 2014, the Data & Society Research Institute was initially supported by a generous unrestricted gift from Microsoft. As an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institute, it has maintained its commitment to autonomy and independence in its research activities. The institute does not accept funding that might compromise its ability to conduct unbiased research. Over the years, it has grown in scope and influence, collaborating with a global network to explore how data-centric and automated technologies are shaping modern life and opportunities.
Research Tracks
Data & Society Research Institute has numerous research tracks dedicated to exploring various facets of data-centric technologies and their impact on society. Key areas include AI on the Ground, Labor Futures, Technologies of Health and Care, and Trustworthy Infrastructures. They investigate issues such as digital privacy, data literacy, socioeconomic security, cities of data, fairness in precision medicine, cyberstalking, and digital domestic abuse, among others. Specialized tracks like the Algorithmic Impact Methods Lab develop methodologies to evaluate the impact of automated decision-making systems. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough analysis of the evolving digital landscape.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The Data & Society Research Institute collaborates with an international network of researchers, scholars, and organizations to examine the far-reaching impact of data-centric and automated technologies. Their partnerships are instrumental in exploring critical issues such as machine learning, AI systems, and the future of work. These collaborations ensure a multidisciplinary approach, integrating humanities and social sciences into the governance and development of new technologies. This network helps illuminate the double-edged nature of platformization and enables robust public debates informed by empirical evidence.
Focus Areas
The Data & Society Research Institute focuses on an array of pivotal areas to understand the societal implications of technology. Key focus areas include human rights, data, and migration; the future of work; algorithmic impact; and building trustworthy online infrastructures. They also address mental health's changing dynamics due to teletherapy and digital platforms. By producing collections of essays and reports, they provide insights into government-technology relationships and structural inequalities disrupted by technology. Their research emphasizes that humanities and social science expertise are vital in guiding AI and technology governance.