The Ethics of AI in Data Governance within Liberian Societies: An Action Research Study

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to significant changes in data governance across African societies, including Liberia. However, the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI-driven data management are not well understood in this context. The methodology involves semi-structured interviews with government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders. Data collection is conducted through an online survey distributed via email and social media platforms, targeting a diverse sample size of 150 participants in Liberia. Findings indicate that there is a significant interest among Liberian stakeholders in understanding the ethical dimensions of AI-driven data governance, particularly regarding privacy concerns and accountability mechanisms. Participants emphasise the need for clear guidelines on data use and protection. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of fostering dialogue between technologists and policymakers to address these issues, thereby ensuring that AI technologies are developed in line with ethical principles relevant to Liberian society. Recommendations include the development of a comprehensive framework for data governance that incorporates ethical considerations, regular stakeholder consultations, and public engagement initiatives.