A Call for Data Dignity: Is there a Need for a New Right to Be Seen in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, fostering a fair and inclusive data environment is paramount. Central to this vision is the concept of “the right to be seen", where individuals possess the right to be included in datasets that influence AI systems. Just as we advocate for the right to privacy and the right to be forgotten, a parallel discourse must emerge - the right to be seen. This principle contends that individuals should have agency over their representation in data, asserting control over algorithmically generated narratives. In this panel we debate what a conceptualisation of a right to be seen could look like, its relationship to matters of privacy and data dignity, and envision a future where diverse voices are not only acknowledged but sought, ensuring the richness of human experiences is accurately reflected in AI systems.

• Who is currently “seen” in datasets and how can we work towards a more inclusive future that takes into account people across all life stages?
• How can businesses and institutions ensure that their data collection practices align with the principles of data dignity, fostering amore inclusive and representative dataset?
• What regulatory measures can be implemented to enforce data dignity and a right to be seen, striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding individual rights in the realm of AI and data utilisation?
• How might international cooperation contribute to the development of a universal framework for data dignity, transcending borders and fostering a shared commitment to inclusive AI practices?