The Geospatial Commission, with support from UK Research and Innovation’s Sciencewise programme, has launched a public dialogue project to better understand attitudes towards the use of location data.
The Ada Lovelace Institute and consultancy Traverse are also involved in the project to gather evidence on public perceptions on the issue through a series of workshops.
It will involve bringing decision makers together a mixture of citizens with different views and values to discuss relevant issues such as privacy and ethical considerations.
An oversight group of experts will provide support and quality assurance. Traverse will recruit members of the public for the workshops later this year.
The Geospatial Commission said the findings will support the delivery of the UK Geospatial Strategy.
Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, Lord True (pictured) said: “The rapid advancement and increasing use of location data and technologies present great opportunities for the UK to realise significant economic, social and environmental value.
“Through developing a dialogue to explore public views about location data, the Geospatial Commission has an important role in supporting the government to remain proactive in maintaining public confidence in how location data is accessed and used.”
Image from parliament.uk, CC BY 3.0
