The Data and AI Civil Society Network brings together diverse civil society organisations and campaigners to share and collaborate on policy, campaigns and advocacy on data and AI.
We hold meetings with the following rhythm:
Notes from previous meetings are made available publicly, to facilitate participation.
As with all information shared in the meeting, notes are taken under Chatham House Rule: participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, will be revealed.
Participants can opt out of notes being made of their comments and/or being listed as an attendee.
If you would like to be invited to any of these meetings, please contact adam@connectedbydata.org.
Bonus meeting with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Fortnightly meeting to discuss data and AI policy
General Network meeting followed by meeting with the National Data Library team (DSIT).
Discussions on the general debate about techology and public services that took place in the House of Commons yesterday.
Discussions about the King’s Speech and associated proposed Bills, plus ministerial briefs.
Reflecting on the results of last week’s General Election and sharing views on where to focus influencing efforts.
Discussing plans for Autumn Party Conferences and the risk of a resurrected Data Protection and Digital Information Bill.
Discussions about prospective parliamentary candidate related actionsa and early Party Autumn Conference plans.
Discussion about pre and post election planned activity, particularly in relation to hustings and policy related events
Discussion about pre and post election planned activity, particularly in relation to hustings and policy related events.
Discussion regarding election preparation and a potential digital hustings event.
General discussions regarding DPDIB, AI Safety Summits and Network members sharing their recent work.
David from Finance Innovation Lab introduced work on financial services and AI, and economy wide and consumer risks.
Gavin from CONNECTED BY DATA shared an overview of the House of Lords Grand Committee discussions about the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB).
Bhargav from IPPR hosted a brief discussion on their report on the impact of generative AI on jobs.
Meeting notes prior to April 2024 are not publicly available.
A comprehensive (and humorous) regular posting, up to twice a month, pulling together all the news, views and gossip from data and AI policy land, with a UK focus.
Find useful resources here:
The Data and AI Civil Society Network brings together diverse civil society organisations and campaigners to share and collaborate on policy, campaigns and advocacy on data and AI.
Participants in the Network work for data and AI related policy and practice that is democratic and inclusive, that upholds the highest standards of human rights and brings benefits to communities, societies and the environment.
While areas of focus and tactics vary, participants recognise that data and AI policy making, narratives and practice often does not do this. We work to advocate for and amplify the voice and interests of impacted communities, groups and civil society organisations towards an equitable and socially useful approach to the design, development and deployment of AI and data driven systems.
The Network is an open access community of self-selecting organisations and individuals who have a substantial engagement on data and AI related policy, and are seeking to learn and develop this area of their work. Participants use the Network to share, coordinate and find collaborators on relevant work within and beyond the Network.
Conversations are held in confidence and mutual respect, with the aim to encourage generosity and candidness among participants and the range of views present.
There are no formal joining or participation requirements and new participants are welcome to join the Network.
If you would like to find out more and participate in the Network please contact Adam at adam@connectedbydata.org.
As a human rights policy organisation, it’s been incredibly valuable to join the Network. Data protection is a relatively new policy area for us, so the ability to be able to connect with like-minded organisations and learn more has been helpful to ensure our work is aligned to the rest of the policy landscape.
– Adam Freedman, Policy, Research & Influencing Manager, National AIDS Trust
The TUC has found the Network to be extremely useful in terms of sharing information, identifying potential for collaborative projects, and pooling knowledge and experience. We appreciate the spirit of openness, transparency and support.
– Mary Towers, AI Project Lead, Trades Union Congress
As an independent research institute we aim to put the voices of those affected by data and AI at the heart of everything we do. The Network has been a brilliant aid to this, bringing together a diverse set of groups with a common interest in making these increasingly ubiquitous technologies work for their communities and for society as a whole.
– Matt Davies, UK Public Policy Lead, Ada Lovelace Institute
The Data and AI Civil Society Network has been invaluable to me. As a researcher from a legal background working on data and AI policy from within a public law charity, I didn’t have instant connections to organisations or individuals with a specialism in data and technology. The Network has facilitated these connections and provided a ‘go to’ destination for me to direct questions, thoughts and ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment.
– Mia Leslie, Research Fellow, Public Law Project
The Data and AI Civil Society Network has been invaluable in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among diverse civil society organisations and campaigners.
– Susannah Copson, Legal and Policy Officer, Big Brother Watch
This network has been an invaluable source of both information and encouragement for grappling with the many impacts of data and digital technology on society. There is a rich diversity of expertise but also a very welcoming and positive collegial tone to the calls. They are also an opportunity to learn from and/or share insights on the most topical issues and latest civil society research. Last, but not least, there is much encouragement in finding common cause with others in what can otherwise seem an overwhelming set of issues and policy challenges.
– Simon Cross, Research, Engagement & Parliamentary Liaison for the Bishop of Oxford