We convene researchers, policymakers, technologists, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, and lawyers to challenge the power and purpose of technology in society.

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization. We believe that empirical evidence should directly inform the development and governance of new technology. We study the social implications of data and automation, producing original research to ground informed, evidence-based public debate about emerging technology.

We combine academic rigor with creative outreach to connect, convene, and sustain expert and practitioner networks. Since 2014, Data & Society has defined the field with original research and programming to break down disciplinary silos and connect provocative thinkers across sectors.

Our work acknowledges that the same innovative technologies and sociotechnical practices that are reconfiguring society – enabling novel modes of interaction, new opportunities for knowledge, and disruptive business practices and paradigms – can be abused to invade privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, and harm individuals and communities.

The work and well-being of Data & Society is strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, and much more. We are committed to ensuring that a wide array of perspectives are heard, and that our research is made free and available to the public.

  • Photo of colleagues having a conversation at a work town hall.

Recent Highlights

Leading the Conversation

Statement of Independence

Data & Society is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institute. We are committed to the independence and autonomy of Data & Society’s initiatives and convenings. We do not accept funding that would affect our ability to pursue work free of external interference, and we fiercely protect the independence of our researchers and fellows in their intellectual activities and individual funding relationships.

Our Values

Our research and engagement hews to the following values:
  • Independence: Independence is the foundation of rigorous empirical research. We select our projects, choose methodologies, and make publishing decisions based on our analysis of the issues at hand. We do not accept funding that would compromise the independence or rigor of our work.
  • Integrity: Organizational integrity requires trust, accountability, and transparency. We build trust and accountability through our independent research, our transparent funding relationships and organizational practices, and our inclusive outreach to a wide range of communities and individuals.
  • Equity: Individuals and their communities require respect and dignity. We recognize and embrace differences among us, and center these differences because of a fundamental respect for diversity and a desire to challenge existing power relations in data-centric fields. This requires equitable hiring and retention, centering community experiences in our research, and adhering to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all organizational activities.
  • Creativity: Non-traditional approaches challenge existing structures of power. We support interdisciplinary work and the fundamental value of creative expression. Externally, we support innovative thinking that engages multiple audiences, especially on concepts that challenge dominant narratives about data-centric technologies. Internally, we enable research and engagement that take risks with practices and output.

Annual Reports

2020–2021
Data & Society 2021 Annual Report (Download)
Data & Society 2020–2021 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2019–2020
Data & Society 2020 Annual Report (Download)
Data & Society 2019–2020 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2018–2019
Data & Society 2018–2019 Annual Report (Visit Site, Download)
Data & Society 2018–2019 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2017–2018
Data & Society 2017–2018 Annual Report (Visit Site, Download)
Data & Society 2017–2018 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2016–2017
Data & Society 2016–2017 Annual Report (Download)
Data & Society 2016–2017 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2015–2016
Data & Society 2015–2016 Annual Report (Download)
Data & Society 2015–2016 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)

2014–2015
Data & Society 2014–2015 Annual Report (Download)
Data & Society 2014–2015 Financial Statement (Download)
Form 990 (Download)