The Challenges of Big Data and AI for Research Ethics in Canada: A Survey of University REBs
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Authors
Cappello, Alicia
Stinson, Catherine
Date
2025-08-15
Type
preprint
Language
en
Keyword
research ethics , artificial intelligence , big data , large language models , privacy
Alternative Title
CHALLENGES OF AI FOR RESEARCH ETHICS
Abstract
With the continuously increasing popularity of AI, it is critical to gain an understanding of how research ethics are impacted. Unfortunately, the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, or the TCPS2, lags far behind current technology and potential legislation when it comes to AI.
We suspect that REBs at Canadian public universities are struggling to determine how the TCPS2 can or should be interpreted when it comes to AI research. To gauge these challenges, we conducted a survey of REB Chairs/Vice-Chairs and REO managers/supervisors. The results of the survey confirmed our suspicions. They also show that the lack of guidance from the Tri-Council and the Panel on Research Ethics is likely making this struggle worse.
Through an analysis of the TCPS2, proposed legislation, and the survey results, we developed a series of recommendations for both the Tri-Council and REBs which may help overcome these struggles and ease the confusion.