#EthicsInSearch
What should the web search of the future look like? Fair, transparent, diverse. Strongly rooted in democratic values.
With the #EthicsInSearch project and the Ethics Group of the Open Search Foundation, we are researching and developing a value-based foundation for web search.
The results will flow into the development of an ethical toolbox for web search, into recommendations for action and directly into the development of the Open Web Index, which the Open Search Foundation is promoting together with partners from academia, industry and politics in the openwebsearch.eu initiative.
“Currently, we pay a high ethical price for web search. Values such as transparency, privacy and fairness struggle to be heard. What we need is value-based, responsible web search.”
Christine Plote Co-manager #ethicsinsearch, founding member Open Search Foundation e.V.
Identify, discuss, implement: Ethics by Design as an opportunity to embed European values in web search.
Our Topics and Goals
Project
#EthicsInSearch
Projekt Partner:
Open Search Foundation e.V.
Projekt Duration:
07/2021 – 12/2024
Project Funding:
Stiftung Mercator
As part of the project, we identify relevant ethical issues and develop practical guidelines for open internet search together with the expert group #EthicsInSearch.
osf expert group #EthicsInSearch
OSF Working Group #EthicsInSearch
In the expert group, experts and researchers from academia, organisations and civil society exchange views and develop concepts on social and ethical aspects of internet search. This includes asking questions, identifying ethical issues, talking to stakeholders, developing concrete solutions and initiating their implementation.
A values compass for internet search
- Identify the values that are important for internet searches
- Developing an ethical framework for (open) web search (ethics by design)
- Ensure ethics by design in the development and operation of the open web index
#ethicsinsearch-Community
- Initiate research on the ethics of internet search and build the foundations for #ethicsinsearch
- Discuss, research and develop a value-based approach to internet search
- Support the development and operation of the Open Web Index, for example in the democratic moderation of content.
Share values
- Initiate a discussion on Internet search in politics, business, public institutions and schools
- Feed” the other expert groups of the Open Search Foundation and the #OpenWebSearch community with topics and results from the ethical discourse.
- Lectures, events, workshops…
- Information packages and tips for companies, teachers, etc.
Advancing ethical quality standards
- Ethical ratings and guidelines for users of the Open Web Index
- Ethical labels and guidelines for search engine operators
- Codes of conduct, CDR guidelines and assessments for companies and organisations
“Free and independent navigation in the digital space is essential to uphold democratic values such as diversity of information and pluralism of opinion. Although we all use search engines every day, the discussion about the ethical issues of web search is still in its infancy.
That is why we support the Open Search Foundation’s work on scientific analysis, technical solutions and guidelines for more openness and diversity in web search.”
Carla Hustedt Head of the “Digitalised Society” programme at Stiftung Mercator.
The #EthicsInSearch project is funded by Stiftung Mercator.
About Stiftung Mercator
Stiftung Mercator is an independent private foundation that acts on the basis of academic expertise and practical project experience. Its work is aimed at creating a society characterised by openness, solidarity and equal opportunities. To achieve these goals, it promotes and develops projects that improve opportunities for participation and cohesion in an increasingly diverse society. Stiftung Mercator seeks to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Europe, to address the impact of digitisation on democracy and society and to promote climate protection. The foundation is active in Germany, Europe and worldwide. It feels particularly close to the Ruhr region, home of the founding family and the foundation’s headquarters.
More information on the website: www.stiftung-mercator.de
A project of the Open Search Foundation e.V.
