The Music Ben Yeshoua Ethical Framework
This framework defines how we design and deploy technology: enforceable principles for privacy, algorithmic fairness, accessibility, and community impact. It is written for institutions, engineers, researchers, and students who expect verifiable standards.
Research: research@musicbenyeshoua.online • Careers/technical: careers@musicbenyeshoua.online
Data Sovereignty & Privacy by Design
We treat data minimization as a core engineering constraint. Data is a liability to manage, not a resource to exhaust.
- Minimization & De-identification: Collect only what is essential. Analytics rely on robust hashing, aggregation, and k-anonymity to prevent re-identification.
- Opt-in & Control: Explicit consent, clear UI, and reversible choices—no hidden enrollment.
- Secure Environments: End-to-end encryption (TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest), hardened cloud environments, and strict role-based access control.
Engineering Controls
- DPIA-style assessments and data-flow diagrams for sensitive deployments.
- CI/CD checks to block unsafe logging and unauthorized exports.
- Scoped credentials for engineers, analysts, and partners.
Privacy requirements live in schemas, pipelines, and code reviews where work actually happens.
Algorithmic Accountability & Equity
Any ranking, scoring, or recommendation logic must be explainable and evaluated for fairness before deployment.
- Fairness Assessments: Use auditable open-source tooling and defined statistical metrics (e.g. Equal Opportunity Difference, where applicable) to detect skew.
- Accessibility by Default: WCAG 2.1 AA targeted from design; automated accessibility tests integrated into CI.
- Transparency: High-impact logic is documented in clear language for partners and, where relevant, users.
Accountability & Workflow
- Engineering and product leads own fairness and accessibility checks in their pipelines.
- An internal ethics/risk review function signs off on sensitive launches.
- Partners may request summaries of tests for audits, tenders, or academic review.
Methods align with ongoing work in the Research & Insights Lab.
Community & Indigenous Protocols
Deployments must respect local context, cultural rights, and long-term impact— especially in public, cultural, and educational spaces.
- Impact Assessment: Identify affected groups, clarify consent, and define redress mechanisms.
- Zero Dark Patterns: UX and content teams are explicitly responsible for clear, honest, non-coercive interfaces.
- Co-Design: Engage local stakeholders where technology shapes access to services or knowledge.
Compliance & Verification
- Data protection aligned with GDPR/CCPA and similar frameworks where applicable.
- Accessibility aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 expectations.
- Security and privacy controls influenced by ISO 27001/27701 and relevant national guidance.
A practical checklist for technical and institutional partners.
Feedback & Independent Review
We invite critique and collaboration from academics, practitioners, and students. Use this framework, cite it, challenge it, or adapt it—with attribution.
Ownership & Roles
- Leadership: accountable for funding and enforcing this framework.
- Engineering & Data: implement controls in code, infra, and MLOps.
- UX & Content: responsible for accessibility, clarity, and zero dark patterns.
- Partners & Reviewers: invited to audit and co-develop improvements.