Internationales Zentrum für Ethik in den Wissenschaften (IZEW)

SmartSec

How Smart Is ‘Smart Security’? Exploring Data Subjectivity and Resistance

Diese Fallstudie untersuchte ethische und menschenrechtesbezogene Implikationen von ‚smart security‘-Systemen, die auf Basis von Big Data funktionieren. Die Hauptaspekte der Untersuchung zielten auf den qualitativ neuen Grad an möglicher Diskriminierung durch automatisierte algorithmenbasierte Analyse großer Datenmengen und die Möglichkeiten, Menschenrechte einzufordern, indem durch Algorithmen getroffene Sicherheitsentscheidungen angefochten werden.

Abschlussbericht

Der Abschlussbericht wurde unter einer Creative-Commons-Lizenz (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) veröffentlicht und ist frei zugänglich.

Abstract

‘Smart security’ is currently being used as an umbrella term that embraces several initiatives proposed by the aviation industry in order to enhance security procedures at airports. The idea of smarter security opposes the traditional screening framework of passenger security at airports which enacts a one-size-fits-all approach in order to detect dangerous items that might threaten flight safety and security. Recently however, the security industry claims that smart solutions could provide better security, less intrusive screening, and better cost efficiency by employing tailored security procedures based on individual data-driven risk assessment of passengers and corresponding different levels of security screening.

As smart security solutions are currently still under development, this report analyses potential human rights problems connected to a broader implementation of smart security routines in a timely fashion. Constituent elements of smart security, such as computer-based sorting of individuals into risk-groups and algorithms preparing or taking decisions on passengers’ mobility, can have severe consequences. Critical questions to be asked include: Who is accountable for smart security decisions? Is it possible to appeal against such decisions? How dangerous is the data-driven approach with regard to structural discrimination and equality of all passengers?

We review and summarise the state of the art in the field of data-driven risk analysis and analyse eight interviews that we have conducted with representatives of European aviation associations, state authorities and the civil society. Bearing in mind the human rights implications of smart security, the report identifies six central policy gaps, issues recommendations to address them and provides a basis for a much needed public debate on smart security.

Projektleitung

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter

Förderung

  • gefördert durch: Media Democracy Fund, Ford Foundation und Open Society Foundations
  • Förderung als Teil der Quantified Society Grants
  • Dauer: 15. Juni 2015 bis 01. Oktober 2015