Legal gaps hamper Big Data’s benefits, finds study
A national research program investigating Big Data’s role in society has reinforced calls to update regulation to ensure responsible use of the technology.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jdp
The “Big Data” (NRP 75) programme, sponsored by the Swiss National Science Foundation, conducted 37 research projects on Big Data from 2015-2022. Fifteen of the projects produced concrete big data applications on topics from patient monitoring in hospitals to renewable energy planning. Another eight projects looked at social and ethical aspects of data technologies.
In its final reportExternal link published on Thursday, the Foundation writes that the research confirmed the enormous potential that big data holds for scientific advances and for society at large. However, it notes that they also pose risks that are poorly addressed by today’s regulatory frameworks. Responsible management of new data technologies is essential to build public trust.
The work “highlights the challenges that will have to be overcome in order to be able to use these data flows in a responsible manner,” said Christian S. Jensen, President of the Steering Committee of NRP 75 programme.
The research projects highlighted various regulatory loopholes such as potentially discriminatory algorithms in the insurance and human resources sectors. The final report offers several recommendations, including the certification of data technology applications to comply with privacy, fairness, and anti-discrimination laws.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How Switzerland works against fair access to science
This content was published on
Switzerland and other rich countries want to maintain privileged access to vaccines and life-saving treatments – putting global public health at risk.
Switzerland and US conclude scientific research agreement
This content was published on
Researchers from Switzerland and the United States will in future be able to submit a single funding application for joint projects.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.