The principle of consent is fundamental to ethical human research, yet the concept of “free, informed, prior consent” (FPIC) can become an inconvenient afterthought in the face of readily available human data, which is traded as a commodity under the guise of transactional consent, which might be considered artificial. This wealth of data is devoured in pursuit of scientific and technological advancement, of new knowledge and understanding, and in this context, the need for consent transforms into a stumbling block that stifles innovation. The blurring of lines between our digital and corporeal identities challenges the definitions of what is public and what is private, and raises serious ethical concerns around privacy, the potential for re-identification, and the role of research ethics in regulating AI.

This panel discussion will explore ways to restore the integrity of consent and safeguard human data in an era of relentless digital consumption.