What does the term consent refer to in data ethics?

The term consent in data ethics primarily refers to individuals’ understanding of how their personal data will be used, which is why the chosen answer is accurate. Consent is not just a simple agreement; it involves ensuring that individuals are fully informed about what data will be collected, how it will be used, and the potential consequences of that data usage. This understanding empowers individuals, allowing them to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their personal information.

Furthermore, consent encompasses various aspects, including the requirement that consent must be given freely, and it should be revocable. This means individuals have the right to withdraw their consent at any time, reinforcing the idea that they control their personal data.

The options that suggest merely accessing data, having the right to not share, or an obligation to share do not reflect the comprehensive understanding embedded within the concept of consent. Those interpretations miss the key element of informed understanding, which is central to ethical data practices and protection of individual privacy rights.