Dr Mathieu Paapst appointed chair of data and technology ethics committee

Mathieu Paapst, associate professor of IT law at our faculty, has been appointed chairman of the data and technology ethics committee by the Municipal Executive of Groningen. Together with eight others, he will advise the Municipal Executive on the use of (new) digital technologies in the municipality of Groningen, including the use of AI, algorithms and sensors.

Keeping up with technological developments

In 2021, the City Council called for the creation of an independent data and technology ethics committee. That committee could advise the municipality on how to deal with different types of technology so that it can best keep up with the lightning-fast technological developments in our society.

Different areas of expertise

The creation of the committee has now been accomplished. It consists of experts in the fields of data, algorithms, diversity, discrimination, inclusion and technology. In addition to Paapst, the committee is formed by:

• Adri Carmio-Volny (Taalhuizen coordinator)
• Melvin Lammerts (information security specialist)
• Herman Veluwenkamp (associate professor of Philosophy)
• Willy Tadema (AI policy advisor)
• Johanna Spiller (entrepreneur of startup Alyx)
• Joël Feliz (member of Opgaveteam Politie voor Iedereen)
• Jaap-Henk Hoepman (associate professor of IT law)
• Regina Schotsman (employee Access and Entrance)

An initial opinion

The committee will soon issue its first opinion, specifically on how the municipality uses data to determine whether residents are justified in receiving benefits. The municipality will also actively involve residents in the issues presented to the committee, including by organizing information sessions about them.

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This article was published by the Faculty of Law.