Context
The Catalan Government, like many others, is undergoing a digital transformation. This involves collecting and managing vast amounts of data to improve public services and empower citizens. In recognition of the potential ethical concerns surrounding data collection and use, the Catalan Government has implemented a data governance model and a Data Ethics Committee.
Objectives
The Data Ethics Committee is a consultative body designed to provide ethical guidance on the data governance model. Its key objectives are to:
- foster ethical reflection on data governance practices;
- generate knowledge and best practices for data use;
- advise the government on ethical considerations in advanced data use, which includes both AI-powered and non-AI driven data analysis;
- disseminate information and promote awareness of data ethics within the government.
The committee’s multidisciplinary composition reflects its commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive approach to data ethics. It includes representatives from various departments within the government, legal experts, data specialists and civil society organisations.
Implementation
The committee’s success hinges on effective collaboration with external bodies such as the Observatory of Ethics in Artificial Intelligence of Catalan (Observatori d’Ètica en Intelligència Artificial de Catalunya – OEIAC). This collaboration ensures access to valuable resources and facilitates knowledge sharing in the field of data ethics.
A key challenge lies in balancing the benefits of data-driven administration with the ethical principles enshrined in the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. These principles include human oversight, technical security and accuracy, data privacy, transparency, non-discrimination, social well-being and accountability. The Data Ethics Committee plays a crucial role in navigating these complexities and ensuring that the data governance model operates ethically and responsibly.