The Government has revealed the line-up for its new Centre of Data Ethics & Innovation, with Starcount boss and data pioneer Edwina Dunn taking a key role in the group.
First revealed in November last year, the centre is designed “to enable and ensure safe, ethical and ground-breaking innovation in artificial intelligence and data‑driven technologies”.
It will advise government on the need for specific policy or regulatory action to ensure new technologies and data are used responsibly so they support the country’s businesses and society.
The centre will be chaired by Roger Taylor, the founder of healthcare data firm Dr Foster and, as well as Dunn, the 11-strong board also includes Sage Group vice president of artificial intelligence Kriti Sharma, former Ofcom chair Dame Patricia Hodgson.
Its first projects will explore the use of data in shaping people’s online experiences. It will also investigate the potential for bias in decisions made using algorithms.
Digital Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “We are a world-leader in artificial intelligence and our modern Industrial Strategy puts pioneering technologies at the heart of our plans to build a Britain which is fit for the future.
“But it is crucial that the public have confidence it is being used to improve people’s lives and we have the right expertise and framework in place to maximise its potential.
“I am pleased we have secured global leaders from academia and industry to work alongside us as we develop the world’s first Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation.”
Taylor said: “It is vital powerful data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence are deployed in the interests of society while supporting innovation.
“I look forward to working closely with my new board members to develop our work-plan and prioritising the issues we need to consider.”
Dunn, who co-founded DunnHumby in the Nineties before selling it to Tesco, has been at the forefront of data science for over two decades. She also founded The Female Lead, a not-for-profit organisation that highlights the breadth of female achievement in order to offer inspiration for future generations and until recently was chair of Your Life, a campaign to encourage more young people to study maths and science.
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