While contributing to the UN Working Group on Data Governance, I’ve found it interesting how much the language shapes the conversation and the decisions. Words like data governance – a framework of policies and laws for managing data responsibly – or data stewardship, which is all about the operational role ensuring ethical handling and compliance. Then there’s interoperability (making systems talk to each other), benefit-sharing (fair distribution of data-driven value), and trusted data flows (secure, privacy-respecting movement of data across borders).
Geez right?!
These are technical terms, but they form the building blocks for how we shape quite complex systems already embedded in policies, data collation and how we may look to govern data. For our community organisations, I’d would think we don’t always think about data as a core function of how we support an organisation (if we volunteer, donate, run meetings), data isn’t just numbers, it’s people, communities, and connection, this is a world where NFP/NGOs thrive in – the grassroots active leadership of serving others.
What is ethics in data governance?
Ethics is about doing the right thing – considering right from wrong, it’s easier said than done, and mostly I think we don’t often consider the ethics in our decision-making nearly enough. Times I reflect on where ethics came into board discussions were generally whether we should take money from, say, gambling organisations or companies like tobacco and the perceived nature of how this reflects on our organisation.
In data governance, ethics means thinking beyond compliance checklists like GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union law that came into effect on May 25, 2018, or the Privacy Act. Data governance is about intent and impact: why you collect data, how you use it, and what that means for people. Ethical data considerations forms many of the contributing conversations about data governance. I share a few of the interesting articles I’ve come across below.
Some key principles to consider:
- Respect people behind the data
This is the heart of manaakitanga, treating people with care (treating people as if it was our friend, whānau). - Transparency
Tell people what’s happening with their data in language they understand. No hidden clauses or jargon. - Consent that’s easy
Make it simple to give or withdraw consent. People should feel in control and informed. - Fairness
Algorithms should not reinforce bias. Test and monitor so decisions are fair. - Accountability
Responsibility sits with leaders and governance teams. Ethical data is an organisational value.
Principles for Ethical AI
They start from a simple idea: AI must serve humanity and the planet. These principles guide design and delivery so systems are trustworthy and centred on dignity, equality, and cultural respect. UNESCO echoes this, and Indigenous frameworks like the CARE Principles emphasise data sovereignty and respect for Indigenous rights.
The core principles generally include:
- Do No Harm
AI systems should avoid causing physical, psychological, social, or environmental harm. - Human Oversight
Humans remain accountable for decisions; AI should not replace human judgment in critical areas. - Explainability
Systems must be transparent and understandable so people know how decisions are made. - Inclusion
AI should promote equality and avoid discrimination, ensuring diverse voices are considered. - Environmental and Cultural Respect
AI development should minimise environmental impact and respect cultural values, including Indigenous data sovereignty.
Why do we need principles?
Ethics is a consideration for good decision making, boards, organisations, and management will need to be up with the play and understand the importance of governing data. If we don’t, consider the impacts of privacy breaches that erode trust, algorithmic bias that can harm individuals and communities (take supermarket video surveillance, and this tech getting the wrong person), reputational damaged due to cyber breaches (once on the front page) can drive donors away. Ethical data isn’t just a resource, it’s a relationship.
Boards that govern data well govern trust well.
As we move to the end of 2025, and start planning for 2026 and beyond, I’m focused on making sure we our community sector has the best of the best information and thought leadership to co-create and co-design tools, frameworks and policies we are happy with. One that protects oneself, the community and Aotearoa.
📄 Want to dive deeper?
I’d recommend reading these articles:
