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THE DATA TANK VZW

Our mission is to unlock data’s potential and serve the common good by using it differently.

Lobbying Activity

Response to European Data Union Strategy

18 Jul 2025

Please see attached our letter as a feedback response to the proposed Data Union Strategy.
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Response to A European Strategy for AI in science – paving the way for a European AI research council

3 Jun 2025

Please see attached paper with our feedback. Thanks!
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Meeting with Hilde Hardeman (Director-General Publications Office)

19 Mar 2025 · Importance of Open Data

Response to Establishment of the scientific panel of independent experts under the AI Act – implementing regulation

14 Nov 2024

To ensure a well-rounded, inclusive and independent panel, we recommend including expertise from diverse perspectives and clear governance structures and processes, including mandatory conflict disclosure and transparent monitoring to uphold the panel's integrity. Specifically, we recommend that the scientific panel includes expertise on: Data governance and stewardship: Recognising data as the bedrock of AI and that many of the risks originate and can be mitigated at the data level, we recommend including expertise in data stewardship and data governance. The implementation of the Act needs knowledge related to implementing data transparency, data quality, and processes of public participation and collective consent. Experts should be well-versed in the ethics, risks, and societal and environmental impact of leveraging data across the AI lifecycle. Inequalities, Discrimination, and Bias: While this is referred to in the current Article 3c of the current draft we think this is an essential selection principle and more details can be made explicit. In line with the stipulated need around diversity and specialised knowledge, there needs to be an explicit requirement for the panel to include scientists from social sciences disciplines with knowledge of the impact of data and AI systems on inequalities and human rights. Expertise on human rights impact assessments is fundamental and should also be made explicit. Lived Experience and Civil Society: Incorporating members with lived experience and connections to civil society groups is essential to capturing the real-world impacts of AI policies on diverse populations. Panelists should have ties to potentially affected communities and civil society organisations (CSOs), providing a bridge to voices not typically heard in technical discussions. This is also a recommendation made in the recent report by the ECNL which calls for the need for the establishment of clear structures for cooperation and regular consultation with CSOs and fundamental rights experts. Humanities and Arts Representation can contribute nuanced perspectives on the cultural and societal contexts of AI and data. Their role is crucial for framing AIs impact on human values, creativity, and ethical considerations that may not be apparent through a purely technical lens. In relation to the governance and integrity of the panel we recommend: Mandatory and Transparent Disclosure of Conflicts: All members must declare any potential conflicts of interest (or lack thereof) as a prerequisite for participation. This includes disclosing financial, professional, or personal ties to industry, technology firms, government or related interests. The AI Office should be guided by clear, enforceable policies on conflict management, ensuring unbiased input into EU consultations. Given recent concerns about distortions in EU consultations by individuals with concealed industry affiliations (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/29/eu-events-curbing-big-tech-distorted-attenders-hidden-industry-links), strict governance protocols should be implemented. This includes regular conflict-of-interest assessments and transparent mechanisms for recusal if conflicts emerge, reinforcing public trust in the panels independence and objectivity. Ethics Advisory: An ethics subcommittee within the panel can guide on sensitive issues, particularly where AI intersects with human rights, societal values, and potential biases. This subcommittee can provide oversight on how AI decisions impact ethical standards and ensure alignment with EU values on rights and transparency. An Inclusive Participation Framework to enhance public input on AI policy, broadening the legitimacy of the panel and ensuring it operates with a mandate that values diverse perspectives as a standard practice, not only as principle.
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