The preeminent global information policy think tank,
creating collaborative policy development,
scholarship and education,
working with all stakeholders on strategies fit for 2030.

The IAF is focused on complex issues that foster effective information governance systems while facilitating data-driven innovation respectful of people’s fundamental right to fair processing.

The Information Accountability Foundation (IAF) is the preeminent global information policy think tank, creating collaborative scholarship and education on the policies and processes necessary to use data wisely in an observational age, while enabling a trusted digital ecosystem that serves people.

  • We believe it’s critical that organizations are able to think with data and engage in knowledge discovery and creation in order to achieve a trusted global digital ecosystem.
  • We believe that to be trusted, organizations must be accountable, responsible and answerable, and be prepared to demonstrate their accountability.
  • We believe that frameworks based on risk assessment and effective data governance enable beneficial, data-driven innovation while protecting individuals and society from the potential harms that may arise from data processing in the digital age.

Key IAF Current Initiatives

Model Data Protection Law Fit for 2030

The IAF is working with stakeholders in all jurisdictions to develop fair processing law that facilitates data-driven innovation. That work includes the IAF Model Legislation for the United States, as well as our work with policymakers in other countries, and at international institutions such as the OECD and APEC.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE IAF MODEL LEGISLATION

Safe Pathways for Using Data to Create New Knowledge

Innovation is increasingly driven by new insights that come with the processing of data pertaining to people. Thinking with data and discovery through AI and data-driven research is the future for almost all institutions, from fighting disease to making markets fairer. The IAF work on ethical data assessment processes and how they may be overseen is part of this initiative.

Free Movement of Data Globally

There is no silver bullet to achieve sanity after Shrems II. Eventually there needs to be a global agreement on the bounds of government bulk collection and use of data created by the private sector. There is now a global appetite to begin the process that is taking place at the OECD, and the IAF is involved as an “expert” contributor.  There needs to be recognition that risk is based on probability, and the probability of different risks to recognized human interests – risk equilibrium – needs to be continually encouraged. The IAF paper on HR data and Schrems II, is an example of that balancing.   

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