Insights from our Advisory Board Members : Dr.Amalia Verdu Sanmartin "Protective Intelligence, Ethics and Responsibility"

Dr. Amalia Verdu Sanmartin, esteemed member of Protective Intelligence Network Advisory Board, is a Spanish lawyer currently working as a researcher at the Faculty of Law at the University of Turku in Finland. Her expertise lies in exploring the intersection of law and societal progress, with a particular focus on disrupting harmful and outdated legal knowledge and practices in the digital age.

Dr. Verdu has published several articles and works that contribute to the field's collective knowledge. Her research output showcases her dedication to critically examining existing legal norms and exploring innovative perspectives that promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity within society.

An expert in the field and a prominent voice in ethical technology considerations, Dr. Verdu's insights illuminate the balance between technological advancement and the ethical concerns that accompany it.

This piece offers a comprehensive exploration, reflecting Dr.Verdu's deep understanding and passion for a more responsible and conscious technological future.

"Navigating the Landscape of Protective Intelligence: Ethics and Responsibility"

The term “protective intelligence” might initially evoke science fiction and crystals balls but, the reality is far more pragmatic. Protective, as much as predictive intelligence, are a collection of algorithms and technologies designed around the art of data analysis. And the reality is that these technologies have become an integral part of our lives. We rely on tools like Siri, Face ID, Alexa, and many other Smart Devices in our everyday entrusting them our personal data. Thus, the widely extend belief of protective intelligence as an omnipresent surveillance -an abstract force that observes us constantly is not entirely unfounded.

Protective intelligence has the capacity of storage and deal with an extraordinary amount of personal information, that we ourselves give to be exposed in the protective and predictive intelligence ecosystem.

In essence, predictive intelligence, akin to a modern-day crystal ball, uses historical data to forecast future events. These predictions empower protective intelligence to take proactive measures and actions against risks, threats and opportunities before they materialize. This integration of past-data, real-time information, and current data is the cornerstone of protective intelligence effectiveness. And, yes, we are the ones providing all the data from our own lived experience.

Is this dangerous or will bring problematic consequence? Yes, and no because we can think of strategies that will help to protect the negative effects.

As we entrust our personal data to these technologies, the ethical dimension becomes increasingly significant. The responsibility for ensuring ethical practices doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of developers and data scientists.

A wide spectrum of stakeholders, including organizations, businesses, government bodies, policy makers, NGOs, and consumers, collectively shape the landscape of predictive and protective intelligence. These diverse actors must come together to establish guidelines and protocols that address unintended consequences and adverse impacts on individuals and communities.

The ethical considerations surrounding both predictive and protective intelligence are multi-faceted. Transparency, explainability, bias mitigation, and data privacy are pivotal aspects that demand our attention.

Bias and discrimination can permeate decision-making when biased data is used. If we are not vigilant in detecting and addressing biases and discrimination, they can persist and perpetuate as the norm. In different contexts such as risk assessments, factors like nationality, race, and gender were used as decisive criteria causing discrimination in the decision.

Transparent and explainable models provide insights into decision-making process, offering a chance to detect errors and rectify them. Yet, maintaining a balance between transparency, fairness, and data privacy is complex. Striking this equilibrium involves securing sensitive data while adhering to jurisdictional regulations. Techniques such as data anonymization and aggregation play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals' privacy.

As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and ethical considerations, the need for an ethical framework cannot be overstated. Predictive and protective intelligence are not abstract concepts; they're the tools that shape our reality.

Predictive and protective intelligence's potential to revolutionize various sectors is undeniable, but it must be harnessed responsibly.

As stakeholders, we must be conscious of our role in shaping an ethical framework that guides the evolution of these technologies. By adhering to an ethical framework protective intelligence can harmoniously being balance with individual rights, privacy, and positive societal principles. Becoming aware of the collective responsibility and commitment is crucial, to ensure that the evolution of protective intelligence aligns with the betterment of society at large.

(Dr. Amalia Verdu Sanmartin)