The Data Assembly Synthesis Report and Responsible Re-Use Framework

Abstract

The Data Assembly is an initiative from The GovLab supported by the Henry Luce Foundation to solicit diverse, actionable public input on data re-use for crisis response in the United States. The initiative began in the summer of 2020 with an initial focus on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. The GovLab, New York Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library co-hosted remote deliberations with three “mini-publics” featuring data holders and policymakers, representatives of civic rights and advocacy organizations, and New Yorkers from across the five boroughs. These deliberations yielded five key takeaways regarding the responsible re-use of data for COVID-19: 1. match urgency with accountability; 2. support and expand data literacy; 3. center equity; 4. engage legitimate, local actors; 5. develop positions for responsible data re-use.