Data & Society

Data & Society studies the social implications of data-centric technologies, automation, and AI.

Through empirical research and active engagement, our work illuminates the values and decisions that drive these systems — and shows why they must be grounded in equity and human dignity.

How societies choose to design and govern technology will determine our collective future. As part of a vibrant and growing field, we work to highlight these stakes and help shape solutions.

The Latest from Data & Society

As we mark our tenth anniversary this year, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight and thank our advisors, who come from a range of backgrounds and play a vital role in supporting our work.

Points

Why We’re Endorsing the AI Environmental Impacts Act

It is critical to have a grounded understanding of AI’s impact on the natural environment. This bill calls attention to the necessity of studying those impacts and putting government resources behind it.

Op-ed

Measuring AI’s Environmental Impacts Requires Empirical Research and Standards

“AI’s contributions to climate change are its real existential risk,” Tamara Kneese writes for Tech Policy Press, explaining the urgent need for sociotechnical research on the tech’s environmental & social impacts, which the AI Environmental Impacts Act would meaningfully support.

Event

Data In/Visibility

On Thursday, February 15 at 1 p.m. ET, Queer Data Studies anthology contributors Nikita Shepard and Harris Kornstein will break down the dichotomy between the visibility and opacity of queer subjects in data with the anthology’s editor, Patrick Keilty, and D&S Research Analyst Joan Mukogosi. RSVP and join us online.

Statement of Independence

Data & Society is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institute. We are committed to the independence and autonomy of Data & Society’s initiatives and convenings. We do not accept funding that would affect our ability to pursue work free of external interference, and we fiercely protect the independence of our researchers and fellows in their intellectual activities and individual funding relationships. Read more in our statement on organizational independence and gift acceptance.