"Ethics of Big Data and GIS: The Taming of the Big Brother?

June 1, 2023

GeoHub is  pleased to extend an invitation to all for a thought-provoking public lecture on the topic of "Ethics of Big Data and GIS: The Taming of the Big Brother?" Chrys Margaritidis, an esteemed expert in the field, will deliver the lecture.

Chrys Margaritidis boasts an impressive academic background, having received his BA in Economics from Bard College, US. He continued his studies at Brandeis University, US, earning an MA in International Finance. Since 2001, Chrys has been associated with CEU in Budapest, Hungary, holding various roles, including his most recent position as the Dean of Students. 

In today's world, Big Data is consistently making headlines. One moment, we hear about its positive impact on improving consumer experiences and addressing global crises such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, the next moment, they encounter troubling allegations regarding the mishandling of personal information by companies like Facebook and Cambridge Analytica or the influence of fake news on electoral processes.

During this lecture, Chrys Margaritidis will briefly overview the transformative changes brought about by the era of Big Data and their ethical significance. Moreover, he will shed light on the potential "dark" side of Big Data, highlighting examples like predictive policing, real-time surveillance, and pre-emptive punishment. By exploring these cases, he will emphasise the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of the ethical implications associated with Big Data and establishing a suitable framework to address their potential consequences.

The lecture is part of the GeoHub project. GeoHub is an open platform project aimed at developing the capacity of the OSUN (Open Society University Network) members to use the latest geospatial methods and technologies in research and teaching disciplines. The project is conducted in partnership with CEU, AUCA, and Bard College.

In the last part of the presentation, we will look at GIS and specifically at ways that geospatial data is gathered, stored, analysed, and used; we will attempt to provide a framework to address some of the ethical issues that arise in this area of research.

Date: June 7

Time: 15:30-17:00

Venue: Room 434, AUCA

We also want to inform you that there will be coffee breaks during the event, providing informal discussions and networking opportunities.

Here is a link for registration 

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