Roles
1. Ethics Review Board Liaison
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: This role requires a deep understanding of the project's ethical implications and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. A full-time employee can provide the necessary dedication and expertise.
Explanation:
Ensures all project activities align with ethical guidelines and legal standards, particularly concerning data privacy, experimentation, and potential discrimination.
Consequences:
Increased risk of ethical violations, legal challenges, public backlash, and project cancellation.
People Count:
min 2, max 5, depending on the size of the ethics review board and the complexity of the ethical issues encountered.
Typical Activities:
Conducting ethical reviews of project activities, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations, and providing guidance on ethical decision-making.
Background Story:
Aisha Hassan grew up in a small, tight-knit community in Amsterdam, where ethical considerations were always at the forefront of discussions. She pursued a degree in philosophy and law at the University of Leiden, focusing on data privacy and human rights. Her experience includes working with NGOs advocating for digital rights and serving as a legal advisor for tech startups navigating GDPR compliance. Aisha's deep understanding of ethical frameworks and legal standards makes her crucial for ensuring the project adheres to the highest ethical principles and complies with all relevant regulations.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, access to legal databases, ethical guidelines, and data privacy regulations, secure communication channels for confidential discussions.
Facility Needs:
Private office space for confidential work, access to meeting rooms for ethics review board meetings.
2. Legal Compliance Specialist
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Given the complex legal landscape and the need for constant vigilance, a full-time legal compliance specialist is essential to navigate EU and national laws effectively.
Explanation:
Navigates the complex landscape of EU and national laws, including GDPR, human rights legislation, and data protection regulations, to ensure the project remains compliant.
Consequences:
Significant risk of legal challenges, fines, project delays, and reputational damage.
People Count:
min 2, max 4, depending on the number of EU member states involved and the complexity of their legal systems.
Typical Activities:
Interpreting EU and national laws, ensuring compliance with GDPR and human rights legislation, and providing legal guidance on data protection regulations.
Background Story:
Jean-Pierre Dubois, a Parisian lawyer with a passion for European law, has dedicated his career to navigating the intricate legal landscape of the EU. He holds a doctorate in law from the Sorbonne and has worked for both national governments and international organizations, specializing in data protection and human rights. Jean-Pierre's extensive experience in EU law and his meticulous attention to detail make him indispensable for ensuring the project's compliance with all relevant legal frameworks.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, access to EU and national legal databases, GDPR compliance tools, secure communication channels for confidential legal advice.
Facility Needs:
Private office space for confidential legal work, access to meeting rooms for legal consultations.
3. Public Relations & Communications Manager
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Managing public perception and building trust requires a dedicated, full-time communications manager who can proactively address concerns and shape the narrative.
Explanation:
Develops and executes a communication strategy to manage public perception, address concerns about privacy and surveillance, and build trust in the system.
Consequences:
Increased risk of public opposition, social unrest, and project cancellation due to negative public perception.
People Count:
min 2, max 6, depending on the scale of the public awareness campaigns and the level of public scrutiny.
Typical Activities:
Developing communication strategies, managing public perception, and addressing concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Background Story:
Elena Rossi, born and raised in Rome, developed a keen interest in public perception and communication while volunteering for local political campaigns. She studied communications and public relations at the University of Bologna and gained experience working for various NGOs and government agencies. Elena's expertise in crafting effective communication strategies and her ability to build trust with diverse audiences make her essential for managing public perception and addressing concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, media monitoring tools, social media management platforms, communication software, crisis communication plan, access to public opinion research data.
Facility Needs:
Office space, access to media briefing rooms, communication equipment for press releases and public statements.
4. Data Security Architect
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Protecting citizen data requires a highly skilled and dedicated data security architect working full-time to design and implement robust security measures.
Explanation:
Designs and implements robust security measures to protect citizen data from breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse.
Consequences:
High risk of data breaches, identity theft, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
People Count:
min 3, max 7, depending on the complexity of the data infrastructure and the level of security required.
Typical Activities:
Designing and implementing security measures, protecting citizen data from breaches, and ensuring data security.
Background Story:
Klaus Schmidt, a Berlin native, has been fascinated by cybersecurity since his early days of tinkering with computers. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the Technical University of Munich and has worked as a security consultant for major corporations and government agencies. Klaus's deep technical knowledge and his proactive approach to security make him critical for designing and implementing robust security measures to protect citizen data.
Equipment Needs:
High-performance computer with specialized security software, access to network monitoring tools, intrusion detection systems, encryption software, secure coding environments, vulnerability assessment tools.
Facility Needs:
Secure, restricted-access workspace with advanced security measures, access to server rooms and data centers.
5. Algorithm Bias Auditor
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Auditing AI algorithms for bias requires continuous monitoring and expertise. A full-time employee can ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
Explanation:
Continuously monitors and audits the AI algorithms used for scoring to identify and mitigate bias, ensuring fair and equitable outcomes for all citizens.
Consequences:
Risk of unfair scoring, discrimination, legal challenges, and reputational damage due to biased algorithms.
People Count:
min 2, max 4, depending on the number of algorithms used and the complexity of the bias detection methods.
Typical Activities:
Monitoring AI algorithms, identifying and mitigating bias, and ensuring fair outcomes for all citizens.
Background Story:
Sofia Rodriguez, hailing from Barcelona, has always been passionate about fairness and equality. She studied mathematics and computer science at the University of Barcelona, specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Sofia's expertise in AI and her commitment to ethical algorithms make her essential for monitoring and auditing the AI algorithms used for scoring to identify and mitigate bias.
Equipment Needs:
High-performance computer with AI bias detection software, access to AI model evaluation tools, statistical analysis software, diverse datasets for bias testing, secure data storage.
Facility Needs:
Secure workspace with access to AI development and testing environments.
6. Citizen Redress Advocate
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Advocating for citizens who believe they have been unfairly scored requires a dedicated, full-time advocate to ensure fair resolution of complaints.
Explanation:
Provides support and advocacy for citizens who believe they have been unfairly scored or treated, ensuring access to redress mechanisms and fair resolution of complaints.
Consequences:
Increased risk of social unrest, legal challenges, and reputational damage due to perceived unfairness and lack of accountability.
People Count:
min 3, max 10, depending on the volume of complaints and the complexity of the redress process.
Typical Activities:
Providing support for citizens, advocating for fair treatment, and ensuring access to redress mechanisms.
Background Story:
Marek Kowalski, from Warsaw, has a background in social work and human rights advocacy. He has worked with various NGOs and government agencies, providing support and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Marek's empathy and his commitment to fairness make him essential for providing support and advocacy for citizens who believe they have been unfairly scored or treated.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, case management software, communication tools for citizen interaction, access to legal resources and support networks.
Facility Needs:
Private office space for confidential citizen consultations, access to meeting rooms for redress hearings.
7. Experimentation Oversight Coordinator
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Given the high ethical risks associated with experimentation, a full-time coordinator is essential to manage the ethical and logistical aspects and ensure compliance.
Explanation:
Manages the ethical and logistical aspects of experimentation on low-scoring individuals, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines, informed consent, and data protection regulations.
Consequences:
High risk of ethical violations, legal challenges, public outrage, and project cancellation due to unethical experimentation practices.
People Count:
min 2, max 5, depending on the number of experiments conducted and the complexity of the ethical and logistical considerations.
Typical Activities:
Managing ethical aspects of experimentation, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines, and protecting the rights of participants.
Background Story:
Ingrid Svensson, a Swedish bioethicist from Uppsala, has dedicated her career to exploring the ethical implications of scientific research and experimentation. She holds a PhD in bioethics from Karolinska Institutet and has served on numerous ethics review boards. Ingrid's expertise in ethical guidelines and her commitment to protecting human rights make her essential for managing the ethical and logistical aspects of experimentation on low-scoring individuals.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, access to ethical guidelines and research protocols, data anonymization tools, secure communication channels for experiment oversight, access to medical and research databases.
Facility Needs:
Office space, access to secure research facilities, meeting rooms for ethics review and experiment planning.
8. Long-Term Sustainability Planner
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Planning for the long-term sustainability of the system requires a dedicated, full-time planner to address financial, ethical, and social considerations.
Explanation:
Develops a plan for the long-term maintenance, evolution, and decommissioning of the system, addressing financial, ethical, and social considerations to ensure its sustainability and responsible use.
Consequences:
Risk of system obsolescence, security vulnerabilities, ethical concerns, and public opposition, leading to project abandonment and wasted investment.
People Count:
min 1, max 3, depending on the scope of the sustainability plan and the complexity of the long-term considerations.
Typical Activities:
Developing long-term plans, addressing financial and ethical considerations, and ensuring sustainability.
Background Story:
Constantin Popescu, from Bucharest, has a background in economics and environmental science. He has worked for various government agencies and NGOs, focusing on sustainable development and long-term planning. Constantin's expertise in financial, ethical, and social considerations makes him essential for developing a plan for the long-term maintenance, evolution, and decommissioning of the system.
Equipment Needs:
Computer with secure internet access, financial modeling software, sustainability assessment tools, access to ethical frameworks and social impact assessment methodologies.
Facility Needs:
Office space, access to meeting rooms for long-term planning sessions.
Omissions
1. Independent Ethical Oversight During Data Collection
The plan lacks a mechanism for independent ethical review of the data collection methods themselves, focusing primarily on experimentation. Given the invasive nature of the proposed data collection, continuous ethical oversight is crucial to prevent mission creep and ensure proportionality.
Recommendation:
Establish a standing committee, separate from the Ethics Review Board focused on experimentation, to review and approve all data collection protocols. This committee should include ethicists, legal experts specializing in data privacy, and representatives from civil society. Their mandate should include assessing the necessity and proportionality of each data point collected.
2. Psychological Support for System Operators
The individuals operating this system, particularly those involved in dissent management and experimentation oversight, will likely face significant psychological stress due to the nature of their work. Ignoring this can lead to burnout, errors, and even sabotage.
Recommendation:
Provide mandatory psychological support and counseling services for all personnel directly involved in dissent management, experimentation oversight, and data analysis. This should include regular check-ins with mental health professionals and access to confidential counseling services.
3. Data Breach Insurance
Given the high likelihood and severity of data breaches, the plan should include a robust data breach insurance policy to cover potential legal costs, remediation expenses, and reputational damage.
Recommendation:
Secure a comprehensive data breach insurance policy with coverage of at least €50 million. This policy should cover legal fees, notification costs, credit monitoring services for affected citizens, and public relations expenses.
4. Whistleblower Protection Mechanism
The plan lacks a clear mechanism for internal whistleblowers to report unethical or illegal activities without fear of reprisal. This is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing abuse of power.
Recommendation:
Establish a confidential and independent whistleblower hotline and protection program. This program should guarantee anonymity for whistleblowers and provide legal protection against retaliation. All reports should be investigated by an independent body, separate from the project's management team.
5. Contingency Plan for System Failure
The plan does not address the potential consequences of a complete system failure, such as a data breach, algorithmic malfunction, or public revolt. A contingency plan is needed to mitigate these risks.
Recommendation:
Develop a detailed contingency plan that outlines procedures for responding to various system failure scenarios, including data breaches, algorithmic malfunctions, and public unrest. This plan should include backup systems, data recovery protocols, and communication strategies for informing the public.
Potential Improvements
1. Clarify the Definition of 'Pro-EU Views'
The term 'pro-EU views' is vague and open to interpretation, potentially leading to biased scoring and suppression of legitimate political dissent. A clear and objective definition is needed.
Recommendation:
Develop a specific and measurable definition of 'pro-EU views' based on publicly available EU policy documents and legal frameworks. This definition should be reviewed and approved by an independent legal body to ensure it does not infringe on freedom of expression or political dissent.
2. Establish a Clear Appeal Process for Scoring
The plan lacks a clear and accessible appeal process for citizens who believe their scores are inaccurate or unfair. This could lead to frustration and distrust in the system.
Recommendation:
Establish a transparent and user-friendly appeal process that allows citizens to challenge their scores and provide evidence to support their claims. This process should include a clearly defined timeline for resolution and access to independent arbitration if necessary.
3. Limit the Scope of Data Collection
The plan proposes collecting data from all digital devices, which is overly broad and intrusive. Limiting the scope of data collection to only what is strictly necessary for achieving the project's stated goals would reduce privacy risks and public opposition.
Recommendation:
Conduct a thorough data minimization analysis to identify the minimum data points required for achieving the project's objectives. Eliminate any data collection that is not strictly necessary and justify the collection of sensitive data with a clear and compelling rationale.
4. Strengthen Data Anonymization Techniques
The plan mentions data anonymization, but it's crucial to ensure that the techniques used are robust enough to prevent re-identification of individuals, especially given the vast amount of data being collected.
Recommendation:
Implement state-of-the-art differential privacy techniques to protect citizen data from re-identification. Regularly audit the effectiveness of these techniques and update them as needed to stay ahead of evolving re-identification methods.
5. Develop a Sunset Clause for the System
The plan lacks a defined end date or review process for the system, raising concerns about its indefinite continuation and potential for mission creep. A sunset clause would ensure that the system is regularly re-evaluated and decommissioned if it is no longer necessary or effective.
Recommendation:
Establish a sunset clause that requires a comprehensive review of the system's effectiveness, ethical implications, and social impact after a defined period (e.g., 5 years). This review should be conducted by an independent body and should inform a decision on whether to continue, modify, or decommission the system.