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Ethical considerations related to personal data collection and reuse: trust and transparency in language and speech technologies

  • Le Cheng

    Le Cheng is Chair Professor of Law, and Professor of Cyber Studies at Zhejiang University. He serves as the Executive Vice Dean of Zhejiang University’s Academy of International Strategy and Law, Acting Head of International Institute of Cyberspace Governance, Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Legal Discourse, Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Digital Law and Governance, Co-Editor of Comparative Legilinguistics (International Journal for Legal Communication), Associate Editor of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, former Co-Editor of Social Semiotics, and editorial member of Semiotica, Pragmatics and Society, and International Journal for the Semiotics of Law. As a highly-cited scholar, he has published widely in the areas of international law, digital law and governance, cyber law, semiotics, discourse studies, terminology, and legal discourse.

    , Jing Han

    Jing Han is a research fellow in Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University. Her research field include international law, digital law, security studies, and criminology.

    and Jahongir Nasirov

    Jahongir Nasirov is a SJD fellow in Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University. His research fields include civil law, private law, digital law, digital governance, cybersecurity and International Law.

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Published/Copyright: November 4, 2024

Abstract

Amid rapid technological advancements in the contemporary digital landscape, the integrity of data management significantly influences organizational trustworthiness. Compliance with ethical norms and concepts is critical for maintaining confidentiality in language and speech technologies, emphasizing ethical considerations in the collection and use of personal data. Building trust in new technologies, including language and speech technologies, requires timely and responsible handling of personal data. This study aims to evaluate the ethical norms and associated risks involved in the process of collecting personal data. It includes an examination of core ethical principles, such as consent, transparency, fairness, and accountability, and how compliance with these principles can be ensured. The research employs a mixed methodology, incorporating literature review and ethical analysis. Ethical considerations are a significant part of the development and deployment of language and speech technologies. This includes respecting user privacy and transparency, eliminating algorithmic bias to enhance trust, and encouraging responsible innovation. Additionally, adherence to regulations such as the GDPR and CCPA is essential for protecting user rights. This study provides an overview of the ethical benefits and decisions associated with data management practices within speech technologies. It highlights the relevance of ethical principles in the development of language and speech technologies. By recognizing the importance of confidentiality, responsibility, and justice, this approach fosters trust and contributes to the responsible development and proper use of these transformative technologies. The findings emphasize the need for further research, regulatory supervision, and proactive ethical practices to navigate the digital era.


Corresponding author: Jahongir Nasirov, Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, E-mail:

About the authors

Le Cheng

Le Cheng is Chair Professor of Law, and Professor of Cyber Studies at Zhejiang University. He serves as the Executive Vice Dean of Zhejiang University’s Academy of International Strategy and Law, Acting Head of International Institute of Cyberspace Governance, Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Legal Discourse, Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Digital Law and Governance, Co-Editor of Comparative Legilinguistics (International Journal for Legal Communication), Associate Editor of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, former Co-Editor of Social Semiotics, and editorial member of Semiotica, Pragmatics and Society, and International Journal for the Semiotics of Law. As a highly-cited scholar, he has published widely in the areas of international law, digital law and governance, cyber law, semiotics, discourse studies, terminology, and legal discourse.

Jing Han

Jing Han is a research fellow in Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University. Her research field include international law, digital law, security studies, and criminology.

Jahongir Nasirov

Jahongir Nasirov is a SJD fellow in Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University. His research fields include civil law, private law, digital law, digital governance, cybersecurity and International Law.

  1. Research funding: This work was supported by the project of National Social Science Foundation (Grant No. 24BYY151).

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Received: 2024-02-05
Accepted: 2024-08-30
Published Online: 2024-11-04
Published in Print: 2024-12-17

© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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