Ethics & Independence Statement
At ATL DataLab, our work is guided by a commitment to integrity, transparency, and community-centered decision-making. We exist to help individuals, families, nonprofits, and small organizations navigate technology with clarity, safety, and agency — not to promote products, platforms, or vendor agendas.
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We provide independent guidance rooted in careful analysis, lived community experience, and responsible technology practices. Our recommendations prioritize long-term trust, privacy protection, equity, sustainability, and the real-world impact technology has on people’s lives. We do not accept referral fees, commissions, or incentives from technology vendors or funders that could compromise our objectivity.
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When we develop tools, frameworks, or products of our own, they are designed to advance public understanding, safety, and community empowerment — not to extract data, lock users into proprietary systems, or monetize personal information. Any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed transparently.
We respect data sovereignty and minimize data collection in our work. Client information is handled with care, used only for agreed purposes, and never sold or shared without consent.
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We believe communities deserve meaningful participation in decisions that shape their digital environments. Our role is to translate complex systems into accessible insight, support informed consent, and strengthen people’s ability to advocate for themselves and their communities in an increasingly automated and data-driven world.
Community Values & Principles
Last Updated: February 2026
ATL DataLab exists to help communities navigate technology with clarity, care, and collective power. Our work is grounded in the belief that technology is never neutral — it reflects values, incentives, and power structures that shape real lives. These principles guide how we show up, how we work, and how we earn trust.
ATL DataLab exists to help communities navigate technology with clarity, care, and collective power. Our work is grounded in the belief that technology is never neutral — it reflects values, incentives, and power structures that shape real lives. These principles guide how we show up, how we work, and how we earn trust.
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1. Community First, Always
We center the lived experiences of families, caregivers, workers, and community organizations — especially those most impacted by technological change. Expertise does not only live in institutions or technical credentials; it lives in everyday experience. Our work begins by listening.
2. Consent, Transparency, and Respect
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We believe people deserve to understand how technology affects them and how their information is used.
• We explain our processes in plain language
• We collect only what is necessary
• Participation is always voluntary
• People can opt out, skip questions, or disengage at any time
Trust is not assumed. It is earned through clarity and care.
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3. Data Minimization & Privacy by Design
We practice responsible data stewardship in everything we do.
• We do not sell, trade, or monetize personal data
• We do not use participant data for advertising or profiling
• We limit data retention and access
• We prioritize safety over scale
Data exists to serve people — not the other way around.
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4. Independence & Integrity
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Our guidance is independent and values-driven.
• We do not accept incentives to promote specific platforms or vendors
• We do not pressure communities or organizations to adopt technology
• Our recommendations are based on risk, alignment, and long-term impact
We may develop our own tools in the future, but we commit to transparency about intent, incentives, and data use.
5. Care Over Speed
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We reject the idea that faster adoption is inherently better. Technology decisions shape futures — for families, workers, and communities — and deserve time, reflection, and accountability.
We prioritize:
• Safety over novelty
• Long-term impact over short-term gains
• Human wellbeing over efficiency metrics
6. Cultural Context Matters
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Technology does not exist outside of culture, history, or power. We honor boundaries, values, and beliefs that shape how communities engage with digital systems.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to technology safety or innovation.
7. Collective Responsibility
Digital harms and protections are shared. What affects one household, organization, or neighborhood often ripples outward.
We believe:
• Our digital futures are interconnected
• Collective literacy builds collective resilience
• Community care is a form of protection
8. Accountability to the People We Serve
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We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we work with — not just to outcomes, but to process.
We welcome feedback, reflection, and course correction. We commit to evolving our practices as technology, policy, and community needs change.
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Community Accountability & Feedback Process
Last Updated: February 2026
Our work is shaped by the people most impacted by technology decisions. Accountability is not a one-time promise — it’s an ongoing practice. This process outlines how community members can share feedback, raise concerns, and help guide our work.
1. Open & Ongoing Feedback Channels
We maintain multiple ways for people to share feedback, questions, or concerns:
• Anonymous feedback form (always available)
• Post-event surveys after workshops, trainings, or consultations
• Direct email access for participants and partners
• Optional follow-up check-ins after longer engagements
Feedback can be shared at any time — participation is voluntary and never required to access resources.
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2. What We Invite Feedback On
We welcome feedback related to:
• Clarity and usefulness of our resources or guidance
• Whether our work reflects community values and boundaries
• Concerns about privacy, data use, or consent
• Accessibility, tone, or cultural relevance
• Harm, confusion, or unintended impact
• Suggestions for future topics, events, or tools
You do not need technical expertise to provide meaningful input.
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3. How We Use Feedback
Feedback is used to:
• Improve workshops, surveys, and resources
• Identify gaps or emerging concerns
• Adjust language, framing, or delivery
• Inform future programming and public guidance
• Strengthen ethical and privacy practices
We do not use feedback for:
• Advertising or marketing profiles
• Automated decision-making
• Selling or sharing information
4. Transparency & Response Commitments
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When feedback raises concerns or flags potential harm, we commit to:
• Reviewing submissions within a reasonable timeframe
• Responding when contact information is provided
• Making changes when patterns or valid concerns emerge
• Naming limitations openly when changes are not possible
For broader issues or recurring themes, we may share anonymized summaries of what we’re hearing and how it’s shaping our work.
5. Community Review Moments
At least once per year, we will:
• Reflect on feedback trends
• Review our values, privacy practices, and service approach
• Publish a short Community Reflection Update outlining:
• What we heard
• What we changed
• What we're still learning​
We can't promise to always get it right, but we promise to listen, reflect and try. This is part of how we stay accountable to the people we serve — not just our business goals.
6. Boundaries & Care
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We are committed to respectful engagement.
• Harassment, hate speech, or bad-faith attacks will not be engaged
• Feedback is welcome; harm to individuals is not
• We prioritize safety — including our own — alongside openness
Accountability does not mean unlimited access or emotional labor.
7. How to Share Feedback
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• Submit feedback anonymously via our form
• Email us directly at hello@atldatalab.com
• Share thoughts during facilitated community sessions
Privacy & Data Use Policy
Last Updated: February 2026
ATL DataLab respects your privacy and takes data protection seriously. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have about your data.
Our goal is to collect only what we need, use it responsibly, and never exploit or sell personal information.
What Information We Collect
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We may collect limited information when you:
• Contact us through a form or email
• Register for a workshop, consultation, or newsletter
• Download resources or complete surveys
• Participate in assessments or consulting engagements
This information may include your name, email address, organization name, and any details you voluntarily share with us. We avoid collecting sensitive personal data unless it is necessary for delivering services and you provide informed consent.
We may also collect basic website analytics (such as page visits or general location) to understand how people use our site and improve accessibility and usability.
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How We Use Your Information
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​We use your information to:
• Respond to inquiries and provide requested services
• Deliver resources, updates, or educational materials you opt into
• Schedule and manage consultations, workshops, and engagements
• Improve our website, services, and community offerings
• Meet legal or operational requirements when necessary
​What We Do NOT Do:
• We do not use your data for advertising targeting or behavioral profiling.
• We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
• We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.
• We do not collect more data than is reasonably necessary.
• We do not use personal data to train AI systems without explicit consent.
If we ever partner with service providers (such as email platforms or scheduling tools), they are required to protect your data and use it only to provide services on our behalf.
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Data Protection & Security
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We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. While no system is perfectly secure, we prioritize trusted tools, limited access, and responsible data handling practices.
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Your Choices & Rights
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You have the right to:
• Request access to the information we hold about you
• Ask for corrections or deletion of your data
• Unsubscribe from communications at any time
• Ask questions about how your data is used
To make a request, contact us at: hello@atldatalab.com
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Data Retention
We retain information only as long as needed to fulfill the purpose it was collected for, unless a longer retention period is required by law or agreed upon for ongoing services.
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Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be posted on this page.
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Contact
If you have questions or concerns about privacy or data use, contact us at:
hello@atldatalab.com
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