COVID-19 is rapidly shifting perceptions, priorities, and needs as they relate to digital and data policy, and this has accelerated the urgency of discussions around data governance. In this blog post, Tom Orrell, TReNDS' expert member discusses four recommendations that came out of a recent UN World Data Forum virtual session on this issue.
Read MoreCovid-19 has given rise to an enormous amount of data. Everything from satellite data and mobile data to big data are providing insights on how the virus is spreading and where vulnerable communities are located. Collaboration is essential for leveraging this data, and the pandemic has prompted an increase in data partnerships. However, many of these data collaborations are raising privacy and security concerns - there are at least 27 countries currently using data from cell phone companies to track entire populations for COVID-19 purposes, and we don’t know how long this will continue. The crisis has also underscored many of the barriers to collaboration, including the lengthy negotiation process for negotiating data sharing agreements (DSAs) and the lack of trust and accountability between parties that can arise. Establishing the right legal frameworks and policies for managing the data are key to overcoming these obstacles.
Read MoreLack of attention to data management practices around SDG 7 is slowing progress in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. In this guest post, researchers from University of California, Berkeley share insights on how data sharing can support energy access.
Read MoreWhat pathways will lead us to a new data ecosystem, capable of supporting achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? On April 30, TReNDS experts and partners shared their experiences and discussed common approaches at the event “Data for Sustainable Development: Building a New Data Ecosystem.”
Read MoreA new research brief, written by Open Data Watch for TReNDS, addresses the complementary–and at times contradicting–pillars of openness and privacy in the realm of data sharing.
Read MoreTReNDS, the GovLab at New York University, University of Washington’s Information Risk Research Initiative, and the World Economic Forum are joining forces to create an online library of data sharing agreements.
Read MoreA recap of TReNDS’ activities at the UN World Data Forum 2018 and its own biannual meeting.
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