PLUTO: A Public Value Assessment Tool

2025-09-16

AI Summary

This study addresses the lack of systematic tools for assessing the public value of data use. It proposes the PLUTO evaluation framework, grounded in the concept of “data solidarity,” which integrates theoretical modeling with participatory design to translate qualitative risk and benefit judgments into transparent, actionable quantitative metrics. The framework supports structured assessment and reflexive governance by diverse stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, corporations, non-profit organizations, and the public. Its primary contribution lies in being the first evaluation system to coherently integrate value sensitivity, shared responsibility, and operationalizability. Empirical feedback from implementation validates its effectiveness in enhancing accountability, fostering collaborative decision-making, and deepening value-oriented reflection across data governance practices.

Technology Category

• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Representing, Reasoning, and Using Provenance, Trust
• Natural Language Processing: Ethics — Bias, Fairness, Transparency & Privacy
• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis

Application Category

• Security and Privacy: Data transparency and provenance
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics for personalization
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Data quality aspects of human-annotated datasets

Abstract

We present PLUTO (Public VaLUe Assessment TOol), a framework for assessing the public value of specific instances of data use. Grounded in the concept of data solidarity, PLUTO aims to empower diverse stakeholders - including regulatory bodies, private enterprises, NGOs, and individuals - to critically engage with data projects through a structured assessment of the risks and benefits of data use, and by encouraging critical reflection. This paper discusses the theoretical foundation, development process, and initial user experiences with PLUTO. Key challenges include translating qualitative assessments of benefits and risks into actionable quantitative metrics while maintaining inclusivity and transparency. Initial feedback highlights PLUTO's potential to foster responsible decision-making and shared accountability in data practices.

Problem

• Assessing public value of data use instances
• Empowering stakeholders to evaluate data project risks and benefits
• Translating qualitative assessments into actionable quantitative metrics

Innovation

• Framework for public value assessment
• Translates qualitative to quantitative metrics
• Encourages critical reflection on data use