Ethical Dimensions of User Centric Regulation

Abstract

In this paper, we question the role of information technology (IT) designers in IT regulation. Through our concept of user centric regulation (UCR) we unpack what a closer alignment of IT design and regulation could mean. We also situate how they can respond to their ethical and legal duties to end users. Our concept asserts that human computer interaction (HCI) designers are now regulators and as designers are not traditionally involved in the practice of regulation hence the nature of their role is illdefined. We believe designers need support in understanding what their new role entails, particularly managing ethical dimensions that go beyond law and compliance. We use conceptual analysis to consolidate perspectives from across Human Computer Interaction and Information Technology Law and Regulation, Computer Ethics, Philosophy of Technology, and beyond. We focus in this paper on the importance of mediation and responsibility and illustrate our argument by drawing on the emerging technological setting of smart cities.

Realising the right to data portability for the domestic Internet of things

“…IT designers are not currently held to the same standards of public accountability, process and transparency as state regulators, which raises questions about their legitimacy to regulate, as non-state actors. [84,87]. However, they can engage with user practices and the environment of technology deployment through design ethnographies, prototyping, co-design and participatory approaches [20].…”

“…However, they can engage with user practices and the environment of technology deployment through design ethnographies, prototyping, co-design and participatory approaches [20]. Through end user proximity and feedback, they can become legitimate in doing PbD, responding to their regulatory role in more prospective, novel and user centric ways [84]. Importantly, whilst IT designers can regulate through mediating user interactions by design decisions and shaping user behaviour through design, precisely how they do so is important, and reflecting on the ethical as well as legal dimensions of their role is critical.…”