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The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a seeking public input on the potential writing of ethical guidelines to address ethical concerns involving the use of “pervasive data” in research. NTIA is seeking public input to determine whether non-binding ethical guidelines should be crafted to guide researchers in navigating these challenges responsibly. Pervasive data captures intimate details about individuals from their browsing behaviors to their social media interactions. While this data holds immense potential for advancing societal understanding and technological innovation, it also poses risks to and individual rights. NTIA said “such guidelines, if warranted, would detail how researchers can work with pervasive data while meeting ethical expectations of research and protecting individuals’ privacy and other rights. These guidelines, although voluntary, would serve as a crucial reference for researchers, institutions, data intermediaries, and online service providers. They would seek to bridge the gap between existing legal regulations, such as the Common Rule, and the unique ethical dilemmas posed by pervasive data. NTIA says pervasive data has become a cornerstone of contemporary research, offering insights into human behavior, societal dynamics, and the digital ecosystem. “These insights are essential for informing policy in the digital age, and researchers and organizations have called for ethical guidelines to help ensure this work is done responsibly,” NTIA said, noting, however, that this data is often collected without explicit consent, raising questions about how it can be used ethically in research while respecting individuals’ privacy and autonomy. “NTIA will rely on these comments, along with engagements with researchers, civil society, research institutions, industry, and other government bodies, to consider whether to draft and issue guidelines to assist researchers working with pervasive data,” the agency said. “The ethical guidelines outlined for consideration in this Request for Comments would be non-binding and would not supersede any existing laws or regulations or pre-empt future laws. For example, human subjects research conducted or supported by one of the U.S. government departments or agencies that have adopted the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects would need to adhere to any applicable regulatory requirements. Federal agencies and federal data are bound by additional laws and regulations, which these voluntary ethical guidelines would not supersede.” NTIA’s efforts are underscored by the limitations of existing ethical frameworks. For example, , commissioned in 1979 by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, laid the groundwork for ethical research in the United States by introducing principles such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. These principles informed the Common Rule, which regulates federally funded human subjects research. However, the Common Rule’s applicability to pervasive data is limited. It primarily governs research involving identifiable private information obtained through direct interaction or intervention, leaving significant gaps in addressing the broader societal risks posed by pervasive data. Moreover, certain types of research using pervasive data may fall outside the Common Rule’s jurisdiction. For instance, NTIA pointed out, studies involving anonymized or publicly available data often bypass institutional review board oversight. Yet, even anonymized data carries the risk of , potentially exposing individuals to harm. These gaps highlight the need for updated ethical guidelines that reflect the nuances of pervasive data in research. Internationally, the ethical use of pervasive data is gaining attention. The European Union’s Digital Services Act, for example, mandates that large online platforms share data with researchers to study systemic risks in the information environment. While this approach facilitates transparency, it also underscores the importance of robust ethical standards to protect individuals and uphold trust in the research process. NTIA’s proposed guidelines could align U.S. practices with global standards, fostering international collaboration and ensuring that research is conducted with a shared commitment to ethical principles. One of the most pressing concerns in research involving pervasive data is the risk to privacy, NTIA said, pointing out that online platforms collect vast amounts of data, often without users fully understanding how it will be used, creating tension between the potential benefits of research and the right of individuals to control their personal information. Privacy risks extend beyond reidentification; they also include emotional distress, reputational harm, and the perpetuation of discrimination. Additionally, misuse of pervasive data can erode public trust in research, deterring individuals from engaging in the digital economy or participating in studies. NTIA’s proposed guidelines would address these risks by promoting transparency, accountability, and informed consent. Researchers would be encouraged to consider the potential for harm at every stage of their projects, from data collection to dissemination. This proactive approach aligns with the principles of the which builds on the by emphasizing respect for law and public interest in network and security research. By adopting similar principles, NTIA would be ensuring that ethical considerations remain central to research involving pervasive data. Another critical issue is the potential for systemic risks. Research using pervasive data can unintentionally exacerbate societal inequalities or contribute to harmful technologies. For example, algorithms trained on biased data may perpetuate discrimination, while the misuse of research findings can undermine trust in institutions. Ethical guidelines must therefore extend beyond individual-level risks to address the broader implications of pervasive data research. This includes considering the environmental impact of data processing and the unintended consequences of machine learning models. NTIA’s initiative also recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of ethical awareness among researchers. While many researchers already take voluntary measures to mitigate risks, the absence of a unified set of guidelines can lead to inconsistencies. The proposed guidelines would provide a benchmark for ethical research, encouraging adherence to best practices across disciplines and institutions. Public engagement is a cornerstone of NTIA’s approach. By soliciting input from diverse stakeholders, including researchers, civil society organizations, industry representatives, and government bodies, NTIA aims to ensure that the guidelines are comprehensive and reflective of varied perspectives. This participatory process is essential for addressing the complex ethical challenges posed by pervasive data. NTIA’s effort to draft ethical guidelines for pervasive data research marks a significant step in balancing innovation with privacy and ethical integrity. As pervasive data continues to shape our understanding of the digital world, it is imperative to establish standards that protect individuals while enabling responsible research. The proposed guidelines have the potential to set a precedent for ethical practices, fostering trust and ensuring that the benefits of research are realized without compromising fundamental rights. NTIA’s initiative underscores the need for a thoughtful and collaborative approach to pervasive data. By prioritizing privacy and ethical responsibility, these guidelines can serve as a roadmap for navigating the complex intersection of technology, research, and human rights in the digital age. As public input shapes the development of these guidelines, NTIA has an opportunity to lead the way in defining ethical standards for the responsible use of pervasive data. | | | | | | | | |
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Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles make their second-to-last road trip of the regular season Sunday to face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC East-leading Eagles (9-2) have won seven in a row and play four of their final six games in Philadelphia, traveling only about 125 miles to visit the Ravens (8-4) this weekend and the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Sunday's game features the NFL's two leading rushers. Barkley (1,392 yards) and Henry (1,325) are far ahead of Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (944) in third place. Henry leads the league with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley (10) is tied for fourth and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (11) tied for second. The matchup also features two of the top candidates for Most Valuable Player honors entering Week 13 in Barkley and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award last season. Their competition includes quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jared Goff of Detroit, with Allen widely considered the favorite. "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "Excited about the opportunity this week because it's our next one. It will be a really good opponent, really well coached, good players, good atmosphere that will be there. Excited about the opportunity this week. And we're going to have to be on it against a really good team." The showdown at M&T Bank Stadium also pits Baltimore's No. 1 offense (426.7 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring offense (30.3 points per game) against Philadelphia's No. 1 defense (274.6) and No. 6 scoring defense (18.1). The Eagles have held seven consecutive opponents to under 300 total yards, while the Ravens have gained at least 329 yards of offense in all 11 games. Philadelphia is coming off a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in which Barkley smashed the franchise record with 255 rushing yards. Baltimore also earned a prime-time win in Los Angeles, defeating the Chargers 30-23 in the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday night behind Jackson's three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Jackson said he's looking forward to the Barkley and Henry show. "I've known Saquon from high school. We were in the all-star game together and he jumped over somebody's head," Jackson recalled Wednesday. "So I've pretty much seen him before I even got to the league, college, anything. I've been knowing about Saquon, but Derrick Henry -- King Henry -- I'm with him every day and I'm seeing what he's capable of, so it's going to be a great matchup." Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith practiced Wednesday after sitting out Monday with a hamstring issue. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve. Tight end Charlie Kolar (broken arm) is out for several weeks and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) did not practice. The Eagles lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a season-ending triceps injury Sunday. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the win over the Rams and did not practice Wednesday. Neither did cornerbacks Darius Slay (concussion) or Kelee Ringo (calf). Philadelphia is 5-1 away from home this season -- 6-1 if you count their season-opening "home" victory against the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Baltimore is 4-1 at home. The Ravens hold a 3-2-1 lead in the series with the Eagles. They haven't met since Baltimore's 30-28 win in Week 6 at Philadelphia in 2020. --Field Level Media