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Cited by 0Ethics and Social Impacts of AIIndigenous Peoples' Rights and LawIndigenous Health, Education, and Rights

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the Governance of Artificial Intelligence: Toward Equitable Benefit for Indigenous Peoples

Open access
Prehn (Worimi), Jacob, Carlson (Aboriginal), Bronwyn, Walter (Palawa), Maggie, Lovett (Wongaibon/Ngiyampaa), Ray, Maher (Yamatji, Noongar, Kija), Bobby·2026·Journal of Sociology
DOI 10.1177/14407833261460137
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Abstract

This article argues that artificial intelligence (AI) will not benefit Indigenous peoples equitably unless grounded in Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous governance of AI systems. In Australia and comparable nation-states, data ecosystems have long served as instruments of colonial control, determining what knowledges are valued, how people are categorized, and who benefits. As AI systems are built upon these foundations, they risk deepening and automating colonial logics. Indigenous data sovereignty offers a powerful counter framework, asserting the rights of Indigenous peoples to govern the creation, interpretation, and use of data concerning themselves, their communities, and their lands. This article examines how applying Indigenous governance to data and AI systems could alleviate unintended harms and create more equitable benefits within digital technologies. Rather than treating AI as neutral or benevolent, it is positioned as a contested domain where Indigenous resurgence confronts colonial continuity, advancing governance frameworks enabling just, accountable, and equitable futures.

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Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Lovett R., Lee V., Kukutai T., Cormack D., Rainie S. C., Walker J. (2019). Good data practices for indigenous data sovereignty and governance. In Daly A., Devitt S. K., Mann M. (Eds.), GOOD DATA (pp. 26–36). Institute of Network Cultures.
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  3. Maiam nayri Wingara. (2018). Indigenous Data Sovereignty Communique: Indigenous Data Sovereignty Summit 20/06/2018. Maiam nayri Wingara. Retrieved 28/05/2024 from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b3043afb40b9d20411f3512/t/5b6c0f9a0e2e725e9cabf4a6/1533808545167/Communique%2B-%2BIndigenous%2BData%2BSovereignty%2BSummit.pdf.
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  8. Walter M., Andersen C. (2013). Indigenous statistics: A quantitative research methodology. Left Coast Press.
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Authors
Prehn (Worimi), J., Carlson (Aboriginal), B., Walter (Palawa), M., Lovett (Wongaibon/Ngiyampaa), R., & Maher (Yamatji, N.
Affiliations
  • University of Tasmania
  • Macquarie University
  • Australian National University
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Sociology
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2026-07-21
ISSN
  • 0004-8690 (ISSN-L)
  • 1440-7833
  • 1741-2978
DOI
10.1177/14407833261460137
OpenAlex
W7169842893
Cited by
0
References
47
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Journal of Sociology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
  • Social Sciences › Law › Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Law
  • Social Sciences › Health › Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
Keywords
Indigenous data sovereignty, AI governance, indigenous peoples, colonialism, data ecosystems, Indigenous resurgence, equitable benefit sharing, indigenous knowledge, Australia, accountability

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