A Systematic Literature Review of the Role of Ethics in Big Data

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the ethical standards and practice that exists for big data and what the gaps are, through reviewing academic literature about various industries such as health, research, and social media. The aim is to provide a roadmap for future research on this topic within academia, policy makers and law makers. Big data is a relatively new concept and has been used by many different types of organisations on a large scale over the last decade, which has impacted individuals as consumers, citizens, and employees. Big data has provided insights into consumers and the public, at an unprecedented scale but standards of managing this data have not been implemented at the same speed. Through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), an analysis of existing academic research into big data and ethics, and how it has been applied within industries will be critically analysed. By utilising academic databases and applying an exclusion and inclusion criteria, this will locate relevant good quality papers for the SLR. The SLR was narrowed down to 14 papers, which focused on different industries and elements of big data ethics. By using this broad approach, reoccurring themes that exist universally when managing big data and ethical issues appear, such as privacy concerns, accountability, and definitions regardless of data type and purpose. Big data has proved controversial with how it has been used by some organisations, while simultaneously positive in other areas. The topic of using big data ethically has arisen socially, politically, and academically, and the purpose of this SLR is to determine how far this conversation has progressed and what existing practice is. Areas for further research include the impact of new technologies and concepts such as IoT, Smart Cities and their relationship to big data and ethics. Law makers should lead the way of progressing this topic and introducing frameworks and best practice and soon policy makers will follow.