Putting Values at the Heart of Data
The Ethical Data Initiative is a non-partisan platform fostering open discussions on data ethics. The initiative focuses on equity and engagement across different domains of data work for public interest.
The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) is a non-partisan platform jointly coordinated by the University of Exeter and the TUM Think Tank. It fosters open, inclusive, and interdisciplinary conversations on data ethics, bringing abstract dilemmas into public view and transforming them into tangible, lived experiences.
Rooted in philosophy, history, and the social sciences, the EDI challenges the dominant narratives around data and promotes responsible, equitable, and informed data practices for the public good.
Why we exist
Data shapes every aspect of life, from individual decisions to global governance. Yet, the ethics of how data is collected, shared, and used is too often framed in technical or elite terms, leaving the public out of the conversation.
The Ethical Data Initiative exists to change that. We believe ethical data practices must be co-created through dialogue that includes not only experts, but also diverse voices of educators, artists, policymakers, and everyday citizens, especially those most affected by data-driven decisions.
How we work
The EDI bridges disciplines, sectors, and publics by turning abstract ethics into concrete engagement and creative formats. The initiative does this through:
- Policy and Networks: Bring together diverse actors and stakeholders to shape the future of data governance.
- Education: Bolster training in ethical data science and ethical AI across the globe.
- Engagement: Foster equity and responsibility in data practices.
Through these three pillars the EDI aims to build data confidence and responsible data use across civil society, science and industry, and government; increase equality and inclusivity in the data space; and empower the digital citizens of tomorrow.
What we do
EDI is building a global movement around responsible data practices. Key initiatives include:
- Creative Formats – For example Data Shadows - a film that reimagines the data lifecycle through the lens of environmental and ethical costs.
- Data Clinics - Data Ethics education cluster for students at TUM and potentially rolled out globally in the next year
- Data Stories – a “choose-your-own-adventure” tool helping practitioners experience data ethics through simulated decision-making.
- EDI Affiliate Network – fostering local and global collaboration around inclusive, human-centered data governance.
- Town Halls – convening diverse stakeholders to shape equitable data futures.
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More InformationHow to get engaged
Whether you are a data practitioner, educator, policymaker, student, or concerned citizen, you can join the EDI movement:
- Become an EDI Affiliate to co-create and pilot new tools and formats.
- Host a screening of Data Shadows or run a local Data Clinic.
- Integrate Data Stories into your curriculum, workshop, or organizational training.
- Participate in our Town Halls, community forums, or join global conversations shaping the future of data governance.
- Follow our publications and events to stay updated and help bring data ethics into the mainstream.
For more, visit https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/ .
