How the new field of data science is grappling with ethics

SMARTPLANET WEEKLY

A WEEKLY PREVIEW OF OUR CURRENT ISSUE, DELIVERED EVERY SUNDAY.

December 22, 2013

FROM THE DESK OF …

To wrap up the year, we take a look back at our best features of 2013. Our magazine writers brought you stories from around the world on topics ranging from food to porn (but, alas, not #foodporn). Our retrospective features haute insect cuisine, Reykjavik’s flamboyant mayor, the most memorable ads you’ll see all year, a new museum devoted to math, prison design and more. Enjoy, and happy holidays!

— Laura Shin, Features Editor

THE REPORT

How the new field of data science is grappling with ethics

Academic programs are popping up to meet the demand by companies like Google and Facebook, and even the government, to analyze data. What are they teaching about ethics?

Financial innovation is the next big think in clean energy and energy efficiency

A new wave of investment in renewable energy and efficiency upgrades is being driven by innovation in finance — not in technology, policy or business models.

BY CHRIS NELDER

BY JENNIFER RIGGINS

Once a comedian, Reykjavik’s mayor is now a symbol of change

REYKJAVIK ? Artist-politician Jon Gnarr emerges as the Icelandic capital’s unlikely hero.

BY SHANNON SMITH

BY AMY SERAFIN

America’s next top media mogul?

Entrepreneur and enfant terrible Paul Carr is neck-deep in his most ambitious effort yet: save journalism.