Human Rights and Big Data: Promises and Pitfalls (RDF17/LAW/MCGROGAN)

A great change is said to be taking place in the way data is generated and used, thanks to exponentially increasing computer processing power, and the development of the “internet of things”. This is most often referred to as the “Big Data” revolution: a transformation in the way that data is used, which promises to provide hitherto-impossible levels of insight into complex systems - and vastly improve human decision-making as a result. It is often linked with the use of machine learning and statistical modelling techniques to attempt to predict consumer behaviour and draw inferences about individuals from certain of their characteristics and past actions.

On the one hand, this purported revolution has much to offer those interested in protecting human rights. In theory, it should become much easier and quicker to establish when and where human rights violations are taking place; to conduct human rights impact assessments for businesses and governments; and even to predict when human rights violations may occur.

But on the other, the use of data in decision-making poses serious potential problems from a human rights perspective. The deployment of machine learning algorithms in the justice system in several US states has been shown in effect to perpetuate racial profiling. Commercial operators increasingly rely on algorithms to decide whether to offer credit, sell insurance, or even employ individual people – in a manner which is opaque and frequently outright secret. The gathering of data is often carried out by default whenever individuals use mobile phones, ATMs, or credit cards, without their genuine consent. And this is not to mention the potential uses of data mining for authoritarian governments.

This project will seek to better understand some of the promises and/or pitfalls of the Big Data revolution in human rights. It may be theoretical in nature and examine the phenomenon from a critical perspective. It may be technical and practical in scope and involve the use of case studies. It may be empirical and employ qualitative techniques. Or it may combine those approaches. The major requirement is an intellectual engagement with the consequences of the Big Data revolution for the protection of human rights.
The successful applicant will demonstrate an understanding of key principles of international human rights law and/or human rights law and policy in the UK, and some awareness of the technical aspects of the project – although expertise in machine learning and statistical modelling is by no means a requirement.

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required (evidence required by 1 August 2017).

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Deadline for applications: 20 January 2017
Start Date: 2 October 2017

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.