The potential uses of “big data” (data which is created as we use our phones, bankcards, the internet, social media profiles) have been increasingly publicised over recent months, receiving both positive and negative coverage (a collection of these reports are analysed in a blog by Global Pulse). It is clear that whilst not everyone may agree yet on how to use this data, that there is in certain cases a positive incentive to do so. None more so than in the realm of disaster response.

A recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) outlines a compelling argument for the assimilation of big data into disaster preparedness and response programmes. Open Government Data is an important area in which crisis information management and aid efficiency can be addressed. The analysis of data shared through social media can help identify “Smoke Signals” as described in a recent article on the work of Global Pulse, providing insights which could be invaluable for both resilience building and design of recovery programmes.

Have a look at the following for some examples of how the incorporation of big data could be useful:

Health: The benefits of being able to access real-time health data, especially in remote locations, is allowing the International Rescue Committee to respond more accurately in its projects.

Population movements:  The potential benefits of using mobile data to track population movements, explored in a retrospective study of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Needs assessment: Monitoring certain trends in social media use can provide extra information for responders to disasters, allowing a more focused provision of appropriate assistance.

Two weeks ago, actors from across a variety of sectors with an interest in the use of personal data, convened at the London office of the GSMA for a workshop led by the WEF.  In attendance were representatives from mobile network operators and the innovative-humanitarian and business sectors, as well as the GSMA Disaster Response Team.

An aim of the working group is to develop a framework which sets out guidelines for groups that wish to start working with personal data to unlock the potential of this resource. Clarifying some of the grey areas in the use of personal data will allow data holders, developers and those working in disaster response the support required to begin to assess how this data can be put to best use.  Head of data-driven development at WEF explains why a framework is needed in an interview with market analyst and consulting business, Ctrl-Shift.

Interested groups need to be given the chance to be innovative with this data, to use it without fear of reprisal, to understand fully what could be done with it. This is part of the aim of the miData Innovation Lab, set up as a partnership between the UK’s Department for Innovation and Skills and leading UK companies and authoritative bodies. Members of the public who are interested are invited to “become a data donor” and voluntarily sign off various data about themselves, with the understanding that it will be “experimented on” in a safe and secure environment.

This is the type of initiative that the proposed framework would aim to foster. Acting as a set of guidelines, the framework, developed and agreed through multi-actor discussion, would provide organisations with the support to develop the potential of big data.

Challenges are recognised and are being worked into solutions. “Opt-in” clauses could provide a model for some types of use, where customers agree to their data being used only in issues of international security (in a similar way that organ donors agree to donate their organs under certain circumstances). Data then could be accessed when it was needed to improve a disaster response, but not for example be used to analyse spending habits. The issue with this presently is that until groups have had the chance to work with this data the full understanding of what can be done with it will not be realised – leaving it until there has been a disaster to test this will not provide the best results.

An exciting community already exists around the use of big data for humanitarian purposes, we should be harnessing what is coming out of this sector, continuing the positive collaboration and turning the potentials into realities. There is a need for members in the private sector to come together with universities and governments, to allow this growing data ecosystem to develop.

In an age where we give up so much information about ourselves inadvertently, surely, providing the right safe guards are in place, it makes sense for this to be put to some common good? Especially when it’s in the name of more efficient, more effective disaster response?

The WEF workshop was one of the first events of its kind led by WEF and there are plans to continue to hold such meetings over the coming months.

Photo Credit: By nickbilton, via Flickr