How the data revolution could transform development (but might not) | Devex

How the data revolution could transform development (but might not) | Devex: "New technology brings massive potential. For example, “call data records” from mobile phones identify where the device is and has been, along with its proximity to other devices — letting experts infer, in real-time, where and how many people there are, and where they are probably headed. Such data has been used to track and help combat malaria in Kenya and Namibia, and to identify where Haitians fled to after an earthquake and cholera outbreak in 2010.  But it also brings risks: in the Ebola case, due to complexities and legitimate concerns over privacy, legal issues and the lack of political will to make it happen, this data has not been made available to those seeking to address the crisis. Still, some data geeks are making the most of existing data sets from GIS data to media articles in order to infer behavioural patterns, relationships of trusts and the kinds of questions that really need to be addressed — rather than those we think need to be addressed.

So while the debate on the “data revolution” for development promises much, the fact that many play fast and loose with the latest buzzword is a block to moving forward. Investments in standards and partnerships that leverage the potential while mitigating the risks are required before the revolution runs ahead of any efforts to harness it for good. Thankfully, a recent report commissioned by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has brought welcome attention and clarity to the issue. Despite critique over the framing and consultation periods, this report is a significant step forward."



'via Blog this'