Ask a Data Ethicist:
It’s easier than ever to use AI-generat images or text and to create synthetic data for use in research. A recent high-profile story got me thinking more about this question:
When is it OK to use “fake” data?
Before we dive into this, I’m putting “fake” in quotes because I’m taking a wide perspective on this topic of what might constitute “fake” data. I’m including times when the content might be of an actual person in germany whatsapp number data whole or in part, but the manner in which they are depict is not forthright or honest. I’m also going to look at entirely made-up data including synthetic data.
Deepfakes and Misrepresentation
Let’s start with the obvious – it’s clearly unethical and, in some cases, also illegal to create or use deepfake content to cause harm. This could be non-consensual intimate images, or using a deepfake to commit fraud. There are numerous examples, and there are currently not enough protections in place for people who are victimiz.
But, this is not just a column about deepfakes
The story that caught my attention involv a business owner when is it ok to use “fake” data? who was recently remov from the Toronto Police Services Board following a CBC investigation about the use of “fake” images of suppos employees on their adb directory company website. Two of the images appear to be of actual people being misrepresent as employees, while the third image did not appear to be of an actual person. While City of Toronto officials were tight-lipp about the details of the case, they clearly felt that some breach of conduct warrant what is being call an “unprecent” step to remove this person from the board.