The World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Data Policy liaised with the Global Future Council on Media, Entertainment and Sport and the Global Future Council on AI for Humanity, in collaboration with an advisory committee consisting of experts from around the world, to make the case that a new policy framework is needed to effectively address issues of justice that arise in a range of digital contexts. In doing so, the hope is that legal and judicial systems can then evolve to embed redress mechanisms which enable the creation of a data ecosystem that protects individuals and is accountable to them. 

In using this white paper to guide policy efforts towards combating data-driven harms, governments across the globe can feel confident that the proposals are fit for purpose for our current digital era, are trauma-informed1 and victim-focused. We anticipate that this white paper, in conjunction with the complementary tip sheet and resource guide, will serve as instructive, inclusive and beneficial resources for any government addressing the next generation of technology-enabled harms. 

It is critical to note that with respect to data-driven and predictive technology, the aim is not to claim that technology itself is the sole source of harm, or that regulating technology is the 

only viable solution. Technology will continue to advance, and indeed will have the potential to bring positive benefits to society. This reports calls attention to the inadequacy of legal and judicial systems, as well as the quasi-legal and judicial systems that platforms offer, to address the types of harms that arise from these technologies. 

The World Economic Forum’s network of Global Future Councils is the world’s foremost multistakeholder and interdisciplinary knowledge network dedicated to promoting innovative thinking and strategic insights to shape a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The network convenes more than 1,000 of the most relevant and knowledgeable thought leaders from academia, government, international organizations, business and civil society.