WE CAN WORK IT OUT: THE FALSE CONFLICT BETWEEN DATA PROTECTION AND INNOVATION

Abstract

By misunderstanding the nature of both data protection and innovation, this way of thinking limits each concept and leads to either allowing for less creative thinking or putting human rights at risk. We contend that data protection and innovation are not in conflict with one another and can, in fact, enhance and support one another when concentrated effort is made to strengthen both. To demonstrate this, we split the paper into two portions. First, we examine the background of the problem: the current understanding, its flaws, and how reframing can benefit us. Second, we look to real-world examples of how this thinking has been put in place, the detriments of that approach, and the potential for meaningful change through rethinking the data protection and innovation relationship

Keywords: innovation, privacy, ai, tech, technology policy