The data science boom shouldn’t be limited to business insights and profit margins. When used ethically, big data can help solve some of society’s most difficult social and environmental problems.

Governments around the world are tightening control over citizens’ data and using claims of “fake news” to suppress dissent and erode trust in the internet, as well as the foundations of democracy, according to this report.

This research reviews different emerging digital and disruptive technologies in relation to housing. One key conclusion is that the sharing or ‘gig’ economy, with the likes of Airbnb, is already disrupting the housing sector.

Figshare's annual report looks at global attitudes towards open data. It includes survey results of researchers and a collection of articles from industry experts.

Another major government digitisation scheme - digital identity - is set to cause controversy and risk further disempowering Australians in the absence of clearer policy and legislative controls.