Welcome to the
Data Science Law Lab!

The Data Science Law Lab is a research group founded and led by Dr Chijioke Okorie, which brings together researchers and other persons committed to the growth of data science in Africa.

Data Science Law Lab deploys research in law and produces independent and authoritative evidence and policy advice to support the growth of all aspects of data science research, development and application across Africa. Our research stems from the observation that the national context and priorities of African countries require a nuanced application of the law to support and promote data science research, development and application.

The Data Science Law Lab is a research group founded and led by Dr Chijioke Okorie, at the Department of Private Law, University of Pretoria.

Data Science Law Lab deploys research in law and produces independent and authoritative evidence and policy advice to support the growth of all aspects of data science research, development and application across Africa. Our research stems from the observation that the national context and priorities of African countries require a nuanced application of the law to support and promote data science research, development and application. Currently,
some of the aspects we focus on, include:

  • #1

    Which legal instruments (e.g. copyright, contracts, technological protection measures, etc.) support data access and data processing required in data science research, development and application?

  • #2

    Which contractual approaches best serve the deployment, uses and re-uses of datasets?

  • #3

    As a field which deals with data that may be subject of proprietary rights, what copyright policy approaches best serves data science research, development and application in Africa?

  • #4

    What practical tools aligned with and developed from law may best support data scientists and data science projects?

  • #4

    What practical tools aligned with and developed from law may best support data scientists and data science projects?

  • #5

    What data science tools can be applied or used in legal research to inform policy?

WHY DSLL?

Some of the questions we seek to answer include:

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#1

Which legal instruments (e.g. copyright, contracts, technological protection measures, etc.) support data access and data processing required in data science research, development and application?

#2

Which contractual approaches best serve the deployment, uses and re-uses of datasets?

#3

As a field which deals with data that may be subject of proprietary rights, what copyright policy approaches best serves data science research, development and application in Africa?

#4

What are the impacts of ‘open’ AI business models on stakeholder interests, cultural diversity,
and creation of cultural/creative value?

#5

What practical tools aligned with and developed from law may best support data scientists and data science projects?

#6

What data science tools can be applied or used in legal research to inform policy?

In answering these questions, we go beyond conventional legal research to offer detailed guidance to inform the actions and decisions of data scientists working in/on Africa and African countries. We provide legal assistance, resources and tools to assist data scientists; dataset funders and dataset-related projects through collaborative work.

Further, our research

offers evidence to policymakers to inform their initiatives and regulatory approaches.

Further, our research

offers evidence to policymakers to inform their initiatives and regulatory approaches.