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by Öykü Işık, Michael R. Wade Published 13 October 2021 in Brain Circuits • 2 min read
People often don’t think about sustainability and data together because data is part of the virtual world and most commodities are part of the physical world. But in terms of sustainability they are similar, and companies need to start considering data as similar to physical products in terms of ethics and responsibility.
To rethink data, look at its life cycle and consider the ethical questions that arise:
Data is captured: Is it sourced with permission? Is it accurate? Is it private?
Data is structured: Has it been changed? Is it still accurate? Is it secure?
Data is transported: Where does it reside? What is the environmental impact? Is it secure and private?
Data is sold (and resold): Is there permission to sell? Are the proceeds shared with the original owner?
Data is packaged: Is the analysis accurate? Is there permission to combine data? Are people aware how their data is used?
Data is recycled: Are old inaccuracies fixed?
Data is disposed of: Is it erased permanently? Is it erased or destroyed in a sustainable way?
As you can see, the life cycle of data gives rise to many things you need to consider – this is why you need to be proactive in developing a comprehensive corporate digital responsibility plan.
For more about how to get started read this.
Further reading:
Corporate Responsibility in the Digital Era by Michael Wade
Professor of Digital Strategy and Cybersecurity at IMD
Öykü Işık is Professor of Digital Strategy and Cybersecurity at IMD, where she leads the Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy program and co-directs the Generative AI for Business Sprint. She is an expert on digital resilience and the ways in which disruptive technologies challenge our society and organizations. Named on the Thinkers50 Radar 2022 list of up-and-coming global thought leaders, she helps businesses to tackle cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital ethics challenges, and enables CEOs and other executives to understand these issues.
TONOMUS Professor of Strategy and Digital
Michael R Wade is TONOMUS Professor of Strategy and Digital at IMD and Director of the TONOMUS Global Center for Digital and AI Transformation. He directs a number of open programs such as Leading Digital and AI Transformation, Digital Transformation for Boards, Leading Digital Execution, Digital Transformation Sprint, Digital Transformation in Practice, Business Creativity and Innovation Sprint. He has written 10 books, hundreds of articles, and hosted popular management podcasts including Mike & Amit Talk Tech. In 2021, he was inducted into the Swiss Digital Shapers Hall of Fame.
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