Posted: 13/06/19
The ADAPT Centre for Digital Content Technology hosted an “Ethics, Privacy and Cybersecurity for Business” workshop in The Long Room Hub in Trinity College Dublin this week (11th and 12th June) focused on the ethical implications and prioritisation of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for businesses of all sizes across the globe. As there is a growing consumer concern about personal data breaches and increased public policy, the workshop brought together a variety of experts from all areas of ethics, data and cybersecurity to discuss the current landscape with business stakeholders.
The workshop began by setting the scene of ethics and privacy practices in Big Data and AI. Those in attendance were greeted by Professor Bert Gordijn of the DCU Institute of Ethics and then Dr Katherine O’Keefe of CastleBridge Associates proceeded to speak about Data Ethics and Privacy in Practice. There was a high-level briefing on national and international training initiatives from an international range of experts in the field. This included briefings about Second level & Undergrad Ethics Training by Professor Linda Hogan from Trinity College Dublin to MOOC in Cybersecurity & Ethics presented by Professor Dominik Hermann from the BZH institute in Quimper. This briefing was followed by a Skills and Training Panel Q/A.
In his presentation at the workshop ADAPT’s Associate Director, Professor Dave Lewis spoke about the New Landscape in Big Data and AI Ethics policy. In advance of the workshop Professor Lewis gave an interview on the Today with Sean O’Rourke show on RTÉ radio where he commented that “the reason we are having these sorts of workshops is because there aren’t many concrete guidelines that large technology companies have to adhere to” and the purpose of the workshops is “to inform policy” and get “users more involved”.
In the afternoon, Professor Markus Christen spoke about the Ethics within the Business and Policy Cybersecurity landscape with regards to CANVAS. CANVAS’ goal is to inform deciders and policymakers about issues at the intersection of ethics and cybersecurity by creating briefing packages, whitepapers, and materials for teaching. This was followed by the Launch of the DCU MA in Data Protection and Privacy Law by Dr Rob Brennan of ADAPT DCU, School of Computing and Dr John Quinn of the DCU School of Law and Government. The first day came to a close by Privacy research presented by Dr Petros Efstathopoulos and Dr Johann Roturier of Symantec.
The following day focused on Ethical Hacking as a matter of assurance, risk and auditing in business and Ethical Considerations from a PEN tester’s Perspective. These lectures were presented by Erka Koivunen and Florian Grunow ERNW (PEN Tester). Those who attended this day-and-a-half workshop commented that it gave many business stakeholders the opportunity and space to hear from and engage with international experts on the impact and challenges of ethics, privacy and cybersecurity through specifically themed sessions. As the landscape for AI and Cyber Ethics is constantly evolving these types of workshops are proving essential in many areas of research and learning about AI, Big Data and their varying implications.
Share this article: