Can I use proxy or generalised social datasets for automated decisions about individuals?
Answered
Only with extra caution and robust human oversight. Using datasets for decisions they were not intended for — such as proxy datasets or generalised social data (for example Census regional location for individual decisions) — needs additional safeguards.
From the guidance
Primary (how) Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework for Automated Decision-Making
In particular, when datasets are used for decision-making purposes they were not intended for, such as proxy datasets and generalised social datasets (for example individual decisions based on regional location data from the Census), additional caution and robust human oversight is required.
Section: 4. Handle data safely and protect citizens’ interests
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