Data Justice Research Stream | Research Capability & Technology Portfolio

The rapid datafication of social life means that trust in institutions is increasingly shaped by whether data is being collected and analysed in fair and accountable ways. This stream evaluates the use of data science and AI applications to develop frameworks and policies that optimise just outcomes.

Competitive advantage

Funding for pioneering projects
Demonstrated expertise in the substantive, procedural and distributive dimensions of data justice in the domains of:
- Big data and algorithmic decision making in law enforcement and national security
- Impact of big data on social policy
- Designing and regulating socially just population health and welfare data linkage
- Participation of social groups in the development and use of big data
- Public attitudes towards the use of citizens’ data by government and private firms

Impact

Influence on government policy and systems design for national security and law enforcement through the Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre.

Successful applications

Submissions to the Australian Information Commissioner on big data, on the Australian and New Zealand Real-World Data Network (RADiANT)
Submissions to Human Rights Commission, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy and the Intelligence Review, leading to participation in related events and influence over national and international policy development
Publications on big data cited in 198 publications

Capabilities and resources

The Allens Hub Data Justice Stream has the capability to connect expertise in law and criminal justice with social policy, social science, education, media, cultural studies, computing and public health to investigate how public perceptions of justice and trust inform best practices and regulatory regimes for developing just uses of data.