Data/Technology Ethics — AI Bias, Surveillance, Algorithmic Decisions, Data Privacy

What should you study in Data/Technology Ethics?

• Algorithmic decisions — bias in AI-aided policing, credit scoring
• Data privacy breaches — response, disclosure, citizen redress
• Surveillance ethics — CCTV, Aadhaar, facial recognition deployment
• Social media monitoring by government — privacy vs security balance

How often is Data/Technology Ethics asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 4 of 10 years, including 4 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: not asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: not asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: not asked
7. 2022: asked
8. 2023: asked
9. 2024: asked
10. 2025: asked

About the Mains GS Paper IV paper

GS Paper IV is the 250-mark Mains paper on ethics, integrity and aptitude, including case studies. See all 34 Mains GS Paper IV topics.

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