The Projekt #EthicsInSearch
A compass of values for web search

For a more just digital future

Internet search influences 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-oriented digitalisation in Europe.

Fair, transparent, diverse: this is what the internet search of the future should look like. That is why the Open Search Foundation is committed to creating an open search index and launching the #ethicsinsearch project. Funded by the Mercator Foundation, it aims to provide the value-oriented foundations for the new ‘internet directory’.

The project results will form the value-oriented basis for a future open European search index. They will be incorporated into the development of an ethics toolkit for internet search, into recommendations for action and directly into the work on an open search index. They will influence how we deal with ethical issues related to search engines in the future and also serve as a basis for the important educational work with the public.

Project partner:
Open Search Foundation e.V.

Project 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.

ethics@opensearchfoundation.org

‘To uphold democratic values such as diversity of information and pluralism of opinion, free and independent navigation in the digital space is essential. Although we all use search engines every day, the discussion about the ethical issues of internet 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 internet search.’

Carla Hustedt, head of the Digitalised Society programme at Stiftung Mercator.

Results

A publication of the results on www.ethicsinsearch.org is in preparation.

Ethical framework
… for open internet search and the Open Web Index (OWI) with a catalogue of values, a study of stakeholder groups, a risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Value-oriented guidelines
… for persons and organisations who want to build upon the Open Web Index (OWI)
Ethical self-assessment
… designed for persons and organisations who want to build applications upon the Open Web Index (OWI). The assessment evaluates the ‘ethical readiness‘, combined with education on ethical aspects. Applicants are asked a series of ethical questions regarding their intentions and usage of the OWI.
Planned: Anthology
… on ethical and societal aspects of Open Web Search that will examine the topic from different perspectives, including a collection of articles and interviews.

Project Partner

#EthicsInSearch is a project of the Open Search Foundation.

The non-profit Open Search Foundation e.V., based in Starnberg, is a European movement of people and organisations working together for public-interest web search for the benefit of all. The promotion of search engine research, education and cooperation are the pillars of its work.

The #EthicsInSearch project is funded by the Mercator Foundation.

Logo Stiftung Mercator

Stiftung Mercator is a private and independent 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.

The Projekt #EthicsInSearch A compass of values for web search