How Data for Good Can Be Used to Improve Our World | 7wData

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I’m determined to promote data for good. Why? As an inherently on-demand generation, we constantly hear about the data imperative: the continual rise in our rate of data consumption. By 2025, it’s estimated that some463 exabytesof data will be created globally every single day. And there many ways in which this data is collected (sensors, Internet of Things), stored (private, public and hybrid cloud), analysed (artificial intelligence, machine learning) and monitored (dashboard, feeds) with increasingly real-time reporting on the insights gained. 

Much attention is given to the technology – its integrity, availability, traceability and security, as well as the human right to Privacy. But there is increasing awareness, too, around the value of data, now frequently cited as thenew ‘oil’ of industry. 

Often we hear stories and see headlines about data “gone bad” – incidents of accident or abuse where data is maliciously accessed, collected without consent, stolen or faked. This primarily takes place through inadequate data protection in the enterprise, malevolent use of data aggregation and data miningtechniquesand lack of user awareness of the risks. It results in behaviours that increase individual vulnerability, and shape broader societal fears around data sharing. But this fear does not simply stem from the latest development in AI or automation; it’s always been there. 

Taking voice as an example, before Alexa andprivacyscares, we saw a similar level of concern in relation to the Apple iPhonetrackingits users. And most recently it has again manifested in concerns around temporary ‘symptom tracker’ mobile applications that have emerged in the fight against COVID-19. 

What connects them is the perception of lack of control and/or awareness on how to manage Privacy and security, coupled with a lack of knowing or trusting how data will be used, stored or shared with others, especially in the context of sensitive personal data. 

These are concerns that can be negated by improving awareness and transparency around ePrivacy and GDPR compliance, embedding trust within the technology throughmodern data protectionand establishingstructuresthat facilitate the use of data for the “common good”. It can also be greatly supported by demonstrating real-world, secure examples of data applied for social impact. It’s time to change the narrative. It’s time to use data for good. 

We can be informed by data and enlightened by the numbers and nuances that arise from its analysis – but equally, we can also be driven by principle in the ways this value is applied. 

While data has the power to transform business, government and even entire industries, it can catalyse and scale societal transformation too. This is the very ethos of data for good, powered by shared-values leadership, cultural readiness and investment in holistic skills development – and in partnership with the application of emergent technologies, notably big data analytics, AI, automation and machine learning. 

Developed ethically and used appropriately and responsibly, technology and the data that results can help uncover new opportunities and expediently solve complex problems. 

This combination of talent and technology can be shared with a broad range of organisations including charities and social enterprises allowing deeper insights into data – and actions from this understanding – than would otherwise be available. 

This is illustrated by IBM’sScience for Social Goodprogram with the charitySt John’s Bread & Life. It is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership. Providing food and social services in New York, the infusion of expertise and technology tools enables better analysis of the organization’s data and an enhanced understanding of its food supply chain and performance. This has allowed the charity to optimise its resources and focus on serving the people who need their life-changing services.