The rapid rise of data-driven technologies includes biometric data collected by smartwatches, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and models that are changing the way we work, and a deeper understanding of our content preferences. Even down to the social media algorithms that seem to be shaping our lives. than us. Massive amounts of data are impacting every aspect of our lives, and indeed society as a whole.
This data explosion is creating new inequalities, with new 'haves' benefiting from the power of data, while excluding or even harming 'have nots'. , there is a danger that the international community will be divided into „data weak“ groups. ” and a “data-rich” world.
We know that data, when used correctly, can be a powerful tool for sustainable development. Use data intelligently and innovatively to support public health systems, improve our understanding of climate change and biodiversity loss, predict crises, and deep-seated structures such as racism and economic inequality. can tackle injustice.
But vast amounts of data are fueling an unregulated wild west. Rather than just issuing more warnings, governments need to commit to good data governance on a global scale. The rapid pace of technological innovation inevitably lags behind policies designed to protect society. We have to be more ambitious.
First, governments need to ensure that the benefits of data are shared equitably by establishing global ground rules for data collection, sharing, taxation, and reuse. This includes handling synthetic data and cross-border data flows.
Although the digital economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, the gap between digital and data is deepening. spread. Although global internet bandwidth increased by approximately 35% in 2020 (demonstrating increased connectivity and technology penetration around the world), the world's least developed countries are using the internet less. Only 20% are human, and they are usually much slower and more expensive. than in high-income countries. Poor and expensive connectivity is hampering these countries' efforts to participate in a dynamic global digital market that is currently estimated to be worth 15% of global GDP and could increase to 30% by 2030. It will hinder you.
Global regulation is key. Current approaches are fragmented across regions and sectors and risk widening economic disparities, with the wealthiest few benefiting most from data use, while lower income economies are left behind and They cannot be used to improve economic growth and people's lives.
This lack of global data governance further exacerbates the potential for real-world damage.Efforts to track generative artificial intelligence experiments by terrorists and violent extremists have already revealed More than 5,000 instances AI propaganda supporting violent and extremist ideologies.
Second, governments must ensure that more targeted data is collected to support the development of traditionally underrepresented groups. While it may seem like too much data, we need more and better managed data to make technology responsive and representative of underrepresented communities.
for example, the study Research into the potential bias of AI tools in healthcare is a critical issue given the ever-accelerating development of AI, but studies have shown that it is significantly affected by a lack of diversity among researchers. It has been. In the long run, a lack of diversity in who collects data and for whom risks inscribing existing biases into new AI models, with dire consequences for society as a whole.
Fostering action requires government leadership and space for constructive engagement with the private sector, multilateral institutions, and civil society. Governments can take the lead by championing the UN's call for the launch of the International Decade of Data (IDD) starting in 2025.
The international decades declared by the United Nations have been relatively successful in coordinating action among states, the private sector, the technical and scientific community, academia, and civil society organizations to address issues of global concern. It has been proven that
For example, the International Decade of Women (1976-1985) helped galvanize action towards greater gender equality, launched the United Nations Development Fund for Women, and established the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. (CEDAW). ), currently signed by 189 countries.
The International Decade for Data will establish clear priorities for the international community. This represents more than a political commitment to good data governance. The International Decade can secure funding to strengthen data capacity and encourage relevant stakeholders to collaborate, experiment and regulate towards a more just future.
of global digital compactis expected to be agreed at the United Nations Future Summit in September 2024, creating an opportunity for governments to advance this global priority and expand the benefits of data for all while preventing potential risks. Offers.
AI is just the latest innovation in data-driven technology, but it won't be the last. The next decade will undoubtedly be the decade of data, with countless innovations that will fundamentally shape our lives. We need political engagement commensurate with this opportunity.
Now is not the time for further alarm. Governments and the United Nations need to stay ahead of innovation. The International Decade for Data will help foster the international action needed to create a responsive framework for data governance. This allows data governance to serve as a global good, rather than just another future risk.
Tsilizi Marwala is the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU). David Passarelli is Director of the United Nations University Center for Policy Research (UNU-CPR).
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