Enabling Humanitarian Use of Mobile Phone Data
Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye Jake Kendall Cameron F. Kerry
11/12/2014
Abstract
The prevalence of mobile communication in the developing world is ever increasing, with now 89 active subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. With this access comes the potential for unprecedented insights into individuals and societies, such as migration patterns, economic transactions, and even importation routes of infectious diseases like Ebola. However, the absence of a common framework for sharing mobile phone data in privacy-conscientious ways and an uncertain regulatory landscape has made difficult scientists' utilization of this powerful data. In the latest paper in our Issues in Technology Innovation series, Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye, Jake Kendall, and Cameron F. Kerry explore important case studies that have uncovered valuable insights into understanding the spread of infectious diseases as well as strategies into micro-target outreach and driving update of health-seeking behavior. The authors argue for a more nuanced approach in protecting privacy related to mobile data, building a case for special exceptions made where data may be used for significant public good or to avoid serious harm to people.
