On 29 May, a dynamic exchange of ideas unfolded at the University of Kyoto, where leaders and researchers from the University of Vienna joined their Japanese counterparts to explore the pressing intersection of ethics and artificial intelligence. One of the items on the agenda of this gathering was a keynote by Barbara Prainsack, who introduced the concept of data solidarity—and why it matters now more than ever.

Why data solidarity?

As AI continues to reshape our world, the question isn’t just what technology can do, but for whom it works—and at what cost. In her keynote, Barbara Prainsack made the case for data solidarity: an approach that reimagines data not as a commodity, but as a relational good. Data solidarity calls for fair, inclusive, and responsible data practices that serve the public interest rather than private profit alone.

Introducing PLUTO: A tool to assess the public value of data use

A highlight of the keynote was the presentation of PLUTO, an online tool developed at the University of Vienna that helps assess the public value of data use. Developed as a practical response to the ethical challenges of the digital age, PLUTO equips policymakers, organisations, and citizens to use data in ways that benefit people and not only companies. It offers a way to translate values such as fairness and accountability into everyday practice.

A Shared commitment to ethical innovation

The keynote resonated strongly with Japan’s Society 5.0 vision—an initiative that aims to harness technology for a human-centred society.
In an era where data flows know no borders, building ethical, inclusive digital societies demands international cooperation. Partnerships such this one remind us that progress must be shared—and that the future of AI depends on solidarity, across sectors, disciplines, and continents.