New Project #EthicsInSearch launched. The aim: to lay the foundations for a value-orientated internet search
The Open Search Foundation launched the Ethics in Search project in July. Funded by the Mercator Foundation, it aims to set ethical standards for transparent and fair web search and at the same time develop alternatives to the prevailing monoculture in the search engine market.
Over the next two and a half years, values-based principles for open internet search will be researched and developed in close cooperation with the Ethics Group of the Open Search Foundation.
The project results will form the value-orientated basis for a future open European search index. ‘With the #EthicsInSearch project, we want to develop the ethical foundations for an open internet search,’ explains co-project manager Christine Plote. ‘We will be researching the ethical issues raised by internet search and search engines. We will also develop recommendations for action for various stakeholders. In particular, developers of an open web index and those who will use it will receive practical guidelines.’
The results of the project will also be used as a basis for important public awareness-raising work.
Founded in 2018, the non-profit Open Search Foundation is committed to open and transparent internet search and the creation of an open web index. More information on the website www.opensearchfoundation.org
Why ethics are important in internet search
We take the daily use of search engines for granted, but the associated risks are often overlooked. These include tracking, discrimination and non-transparent algorithms. It is not only in Germany that web search is dominated by one provider: With a market share of over 90 per cent, Google directs the majority of digital orientation in Germany and many other countries.
Christine Plote, founding member of the OSF and co-leader of the #EthicsInSearch project, explains:
“Values such as transparency, privacy and justice currently play virtually no role in internet searches. However, ethics must not be a mere nice-to-have, but must become a central component of every search engine.”
Diversity and independence as democratic values
The #EthicsInSearch project aims to strengthen democratic values such as diversity of information and pluralism of opinion in the digital world.
Carla Hustedt, Head of the ‘Digitalised Society’ department at Stiftung Mercator, which is funding the project, emphasises: “Free and independent navigation in the digital space is essential in order 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 surrounding web search is still in its infancy. That is why we support the work of the Open Search Foundation on scientific analyses, technical solutions and guidelines for more openness and diversity in internet search.”
A European search index as a vision
At the centre of the Open Search Foundation’s work is the vision of an open European search index that will serve as a basis for alternative search engines and other services. The #EthicsInSearch project aims to create the ethical framework for this open web index. In addition to identifying problems, the team is developing concrete solutions and inviting discussion on questions such as:
- What are ethical no-gos for search engines?
- Who decides which rules apply?
- How can ethical standards be anchored in the long term?
For a fairer digital future
Web search influence how we find information and form opinions. The #EthicsInSearch project is committed to making these processes more ethical and transparent – an important step towards value-based digitalisation in Europe.
Project information at:
media@opensearchfoundation.org
+49 8151 9719372
www.ethicsinsearch.org
The project #ethicsinsearch – Ethics of Internet Search by the Open Search Foundation e.V. is funded by Stiftung Mercator.
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About Stiftung Mercator
Stiftung Mercator is a private, independent foundation that acts on the basis of scientific expertise and practical project experience. Through its work, it strives to create a society characterised by openness to the world, solidarity and equal opportunities. In order to achieve these goals, it promotes and develops projects that improve opportunities for participation and cohesion in an increasingly diverse society. Through its work, Stiftung Mercator aims to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Europe, address the impact of digitalisation on democracy and society and promote climate protection.Stiftung Mercator is active in Germany, Europe and worldwide. It feels particularly close to the Ruhr region, the home of the founding family and the foundation’s headquarters.
www.stiftung-mercator.de
About the Open Search Foundation e.V.
The OSF – Open Search Foundation e.V. – is a non-profit European initiative. Since 2018, it has been campaigning for fair and transparent alternatives to standard search engines and informing the public about all aspects of internet search. Its goal is an open search index that takes ethics and European values into account from the outset.
www.opensearchfoundation.org
