MIT Future of Data

18 April 2023: MIT Future of Data publishes a new white paper on accountability and traceability

The goal of deploying accountable systems is to empower consumers and assure consumer protection authorities that data is being handled in a respectful and trusted manner. Respectful use of data means that there are no surprises, and consumers are provided control over their personal data. Trust is earned by clear evidence that data is collected, used, and stored according to applicable law and best practices.

The confluence of powerful data analytics, artificial intelligence, and global information platforms together with changing social attitudes about personal data are transforming both the policy and technology landscape. To address these global privacy challenges, the MIT Internet Policy Research Initiative (IPRI) and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) founded the MIT Future of Data, with the goal of bringing state-of-the-art MIT computer science research together with world-leading public policy expertise and engagement. Industry partners work with MIT researchers on new policy-informed, technical approaches to today’s privacy challenges; to understand the implications of new laws such as the GDPR; and to lead a global dialogue with policymakers, civil society, and industry leaders as we shape the future of privacy and data governance. 

The MIT Future of Data initiative leads technical research on privacy-enhancing data systems and analytic techniques, creates a policy dialogue with extensive public engagement, and develops new educational opportunities related to data governance technology and public policy.

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