Ethical Decision Making in Iot Data Driven Research: A Case Study of a Large-Scale Pilot

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Gerontology
• Ethics

Background:

• Internet of Things (IoT) technologies offer intelligence and connectivity for decision-making.
• Ethical concerns arise with large-scale IoT data use in Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA).
• A robust framework is needed for ethical and sustainable data management in IoT-based AHA solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the successful completion of collaborative research addressing ethical decision-making in IoT smart ecosystems for older adults.
• To develop and validate a decision support model for ethical IoT applications in AHA.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative, multiscale research approach.
• Development of a decision support model incorporating participatory and deliberative procedures.
• Integration of regulatory and non-regulatory tools for operationalizing ethical values.

Main Results:

• Successful completion of a collaborative research project on ethical decision-making in IoT for older adults.
• Identification of participatory and deliberative procedures as key enablers.
• Demonstration of operationalizing ethical values like transparency, trust, and fairness in real care settings.

Conclusions:

• A robust ethical decision support model is crucial for IoT in Active and Healthy Ageing.
• Participatory and deliberative approaches, alongside practical tools, effectively address ethical challenges.
• The framework promotes transparency, trust, and fairness in IoT-enabled care for older adults.