OECD: Promoting data access and sharing in the AI ​​era

This is a bit old news, but an interesting document was published by the OECD on February 2th.¹

• Enhancing Access to and Sharing of Data in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  - Companion Document to the OECD Council Recommendation on Enhancing Access to and
  Sharing of Data
• Promoting data access and sharing in the AI ​​era
  - Annex to the OECD Council Recommendation "Facilitating Data Access and Sharing"

The following is a rough summary of the contents. Please see the original article for details.

Overview

• The OECD’s Enhanced Access to and Sharing of Data Recommendation (EASD) provides a framework for maximizing data benefits while ensuring the protection of rights.
• It emphasises a whole-of-government approach to data governance that integrates economic, social and legal considerations.
• The Recommendation encourages voluntary compliance by OECD members and partners and promotes responsible data sharing practices.

Key Concepts of Data Governance

• The data value cycle: It covers the entire lifecycle of data, from creation to deletion, and highlights the need for complementary resources such as algorithms and human skills.
• The data openness continuum: A framework for classifying data access from closed to open, enabling customized sharing arrangements based on risk and trust.
• Data Ecosystem: As different stakeholders – data holders, producers and intermediaries – interact and create value, they need cooperation and trust to balance competing interests.

Principles for enhancing data access and sharing

• Strengthening trust: Engage stakeholders through consultation and transparency to build trust in data governance.
• Investing in Data: Promote market-based approaches and sustainable business models to facilitate data sharing, and include regulatory sandboxes for innovation.
• Effective use of data: Ensure that data is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR principles) and facilitate cross-border data sharing.

Practical Applications and Impact

• Governments should adopt national data strategies aligned with the EASD principles to promote responsible data governance.
• A consistent legal framework is needed to support data sharing while protecting privacy and intellectual property rights.
• Success stories from different countries demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement in enhancing data access.

Strengthening data sharing infrastructure

• Centralized Data Repository: Establish a centralized infrastructure to facilitate efficient information sharing among public agencies, improving service delivery and supporting data-driven public policy.
• Public Involvement: Promote responsible data sharing practices to improve public understanding of the benefits and risks of a data-driven economy.
• Stakeholder Opinion: Engage stakeholders in regulatory discussions to address AI-related risks without stifling innovation.

Implications for competition authorities

• Market Dynamics: Consider the impact of multi-sided business models that offer free products in exchange for consumer data, potentially entrenching market power.
• Demand-side characteristics: Recognize that data can influence market dynamics, affecting search costs, switching costs, and consumer choice, potentially strengthening dominant market positions.

Responsible Data Sharing in Research

• Sharing research data: We follow guidelines aligned with the Australian Code of Responsible Research Conduct to facilitate data sharing across institutions and researchers.
• License Classification: Develop a data license taxonomy to clarify responsibilities and rights related to the use of data in AI and machine learning.

Open Government Data and AI

• The Importance of Open Data: Open government data is essential for developing and training AI systems, serving as a trusted input.
• Risk management: Open data manages risks associated with the reliability of data provenance and sources, enhancing the integrity of AI applications.

Conclusion Insights

• The OECD's EASD Recommendation provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing data access and sharing, and emphasizes trust, investment and effective governance.
• Implementing these principles can lead to improved public services, innovation in a data-driven economy, and the development of responsible AI.
• Ongoing stakeholder engagement and adherence to established guidelines are essential to realizing the full potential of data sharing initiatives.

Policy Brief:

The following Policy Brief was released on March 3th.

1. On February 2th, Policy Briefs is out.