We believe that YOUth should be involved in the conversation around data governance because:
1
YOUth have a unique and diverse perspective on how data can be used to benefit YOUth.
2
YOUth are directly impacted by how companies, governments and other stakeholders collect, use and create data-driven technologies and policies.
3
YOUth are key to (re)shape a fairer and more inclusive data economy.
The Datasphere Initiative’s #Youth4OurDataFuture is one of the winners of the Omidyar Network Future of Data Challenge. The competition saw hundreds of organizations apply with transformative solutions to reimagine the data economy and help build a more equitable data future for all. While more connected to data-driven technologies than ever before, youth voices are absent from decision-making on data in local, national and global fora. Vocabulary around data governance and policy is also poorly explained and unfit for reaching young people.
#Youth4OurDataFuture aims to develop awareness-raising and learning campaigns, to showcase the voices and experiences of youth from the United States on how data shapes their lives. Results and learnings will be shared to bridge gaps between youth and decision-makers through structured advocacy and outreach.
The US is a core center of power both regarding the technology as well as hard and soft norms – laws and regulations, self-regulation and technical and professional standards – that builds and powers the data economy.
What happens in the US represents a core geopolitical and techno-political force that shapes the world, and generates consensus and conflict with other forces and options coming from regions such as the EU and China, besides other regional relevant countries.
The project team has long term experience understanding, navigating and shaping policy discussions, including via ongoing work with the large private platforms, and G7 and G20 countries, and international organizations, US Department of Commerce and the State Department, to support the project strategy.
With the project’s partnerships plan as well as with the private and public avenues for engagement, we have secured the right paths for impact in the US. We hope to expand to other regions in the future.
