Ethical and legal support for innovation on web observatories

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the ethical and legal context and challenges for the further development of Web Observatories (WOs). First the need for and importance of a transparent and robust legal and ethical framework that can be adopted by WOs is outlined. Then, the legal and ethical challenges faced are explored. Finally, characteristics of best practice and an outline of the proposed solutions, including the development of a new ethical model -- PRO-SENT, are set out.