Author(s): Nikos Sakas*
Research Ethics Committees (RECs) play a critical role in ensuring the ethical integrity of research, acting as gatekeepers who assess potential risks and benefits to participants. As emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and digital ethnography—reshape the landscape of social science research, RECs face new ethical dilemmas. This paper explores the impact of these technologies on research ethics governance, addressing challenges related to data privacy, informed consent, algorithmic bias, and the increasing complexity of digital methodologies. While RECs strive to protect participants and uphold ethical standards, their traditional frameworks may inadvertently restrict innovative research. This article argues for a dynamic and adaptive approach to research ethics, urging RECs to update their guidelines to accommodate the evolving nature of social science inquiry.
The Journal of International Social Research received 8982 citations as per Google Scholar report
