BIG DATA
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All of the data regarding occupancy on some level involves the use of personal information, but using personal data regarding schedules, workplace habits, and electronics usage begins to be ethically questionable. Having data stored and analyzed concerning a person's habits and location is concerning to most, and rightfully so. When using data, opportunistic sources especially, it is important to consider the social effects and the risks of Big Data.
Big Data is an exciting new field of research that using data collection and sophisticated prediction software to make determinations on anything from health care, market trends, to advertising success. Companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft have amazing potential to use big data, as they are already in possession of great amount of personal data and are will versed in using it to both further company goals and better the user experience [23]. |
The widget above demonstrates the power of Google's Big Data. Google Trends is a search tool developed by the company to allow users to find and compare how much a term has been searched by Google users. The graph above samples "houston", "energy", and "big data", showing just a glimpse into the potential of anonymous big data. To explore more, go to https://www.google.com/trends/.
Privacy is an obvious concern when considering data collection, but the usage of large collections of "anonymous" data is more complex. The argument against ethical concern largely lies with the extreme mass of the data utilized. Because there is so much collected, any one person's is insignificant, even if it could be traced directly back to its origin.
Often the use of the data being collected about a person is of little concern due to what it is being used for. Occupancy detection to minimize HVAC energy waste is a rather harmless goal to most people, however data is not always secure. While a person may feel comfortable with an air conditioning unit guessing when they might take their coffee break, having that data avaliable to anyone or any thing else is less desirable. When collected data, it is imperative to ensure that the data is collected. Fail to do so, and the power of Big Data could be used for any number of nefarious purposes.
Often the use of the data being collected about a person is of little concern due to what it is being used for. Occupancy detection to minimize HVAC energy waste is a rather harmless goal to most people, however data is not always secure. While a person may feel comfortable with an air conditioning unit guessing when they might take their coffee break, having that data avaliable to anyone or any thing else is less desirable. When collected data, it is imperative to ensure that the data is collected. Fail to do so, and the power of Big Data could be used for any number of nefarious purposes.
DATA CONCLUSION AND TIPS
When collecting data from individuals, the most important concern is consent [24]. Not only is this a necessary legal protection, asking and confirming consent also adds a level of transparency to the procedure that assures many people. Make sure to note what the intention of the data collection, the extent of the privacy invasion, and whether the data is being sold to any third party. The protection of data is also a very imporant concern. Data is powerful, and you should be clear that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that data remains private.
Still, official consent is enough legally, but rarely enough social. Often data is being sold without the user's "effective" consent. That is, a person may officially have stated that they are aware and accept the practices, but that does not mean that the person fully understands what they've consented to, or that they would consent if they were made fully aware of the ramifications [25].
Occupancy detection data isn't the same as personal financial or heath care information, but precautions should still be made and careful consideration should be shown to ensure the comfort, consent, and safety of employees and businesses. As the technology grows, occupancy detection's relation to Big Data will grow with it. The only way to protected the ethics of the system is to constantly bring these concerns into question.
Still, official consent is enough legally, but rarely enough social. Often data is being sold without the user's "effective" consent. That is, a person may officially have stated that they are aware and accept the practices, but that does not mean that the person fully understands what they've consented to, or that they would consent if they were made fully aware of the ramifications [25].
Occupancy detection data isn't the same as personal financial or heath care information, but precautions should still be made and careful consideration should be shown to ensure the comfort, consent, and safety of employees and businesses. As the technology grows, occupancy detection's relation to Big Data will grow with it. The only way to protected the ethics of the system is to constantly bring these concerns into question.
Click the button on the right to go to Occupancy Detection's Effects page for a conclusive overview regarding the potential of occupancy detection.
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Sources:
[23] Martin, Ellen Rooney, "The Ethics of Big Data", Forbes, 2016 December 8th, from: www.forbes.com/sites/emc/2014/03/27/the-ethics-of-big-data/#6c5e4b1c30c7
[24] Shipman, Scott, "Ethical Uses of Collected Data", Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2016 December 8th, from: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/ethical-uses-of-collected-data/
[25] McFarland, Michael, "Unauthorized Transmission and Use of Personal Data", Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2016 December 8th, from: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/internet-ethics/resources/unauthorized-transmission-and-use-of-personal-data/
[23] Martin, Ellen Rooney, "The Ethics of Big Data", Forbes, 2016 December 8th, from: www.forbes.com/sites/emc/2014/03/27/the-ethics-of-big-data/#6c5e4b1c30c7
[24] Shipman, Scott, "Ethical Uses of Collected Data", Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2016 December 8th, from: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/ethical-uses-of-collected-data/
[25] McFarland, Michael, "Unauthorized Transmission and Use of Personal Data", Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2016 December 8th, from: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/internet-ethics/resources/unauthorized-transmission-and-use-of-personal-data/