Summary

This framework "sets out clear principles for how data should be used in the public sector" with the intention to "maximise the value of data whilst also setting the highest standards for transparency and accountability when building or buying new data technology" (Gov.UK, 2018). It defines data ethics as "an emerging branch of applied ethics which describes the value judgements and approaches we make when generating, analysing and disseminating data" (Ibid). The purpose of the framework is to help data scientists identify the limits of what is allowed, to help practitioners consider policy when designing data science initiatives, and to identify core ethical expectations from such projects.
Accordingly, the principles read as a series of instructions for practitioners, beginning with "start with clear user need and public benefit," continuing with the need to be informed about legal and ethical implications, to limit the use of data accordingly, and to be transparent and accountable. The Framework tells practitioners explicitly that they must work within their skillset and consult experts when in doubt. Along the same lines, a set of Data Ethics Workbooks supplements the principles, providing practitioners with questions they need to consider while working on data science initiatives.

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