Effective Date: August 22, 2025

Welcome to DataLens Africa

At DataLens, we are committed to ensuring that all Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, models, and analytics we develop, deploy, or support are guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and inclusivity.

This AI Ethics Policy (“Policy”) outlines how DataLens and its parent organization, CipherSense AI Technologies Ltd., ensure that the data-driven insights and AI-powered tools we provide uphold the highest ethical and social standards — particularly in the context of Africa’s diverse cultural, economic, and data environments.

1. Purpose and Scope

This Policy defines the ethical principles and governance practices guiding all AI development and data analytics activities within DataLens.
It applies to:

• •All AI systems and analytical models developed or deployed by DataLens
• •All employees, contractors, and partners involved in AI-related activities
• •All data sources, including public, proprietary, and user-contributed data

Our goal is to ensure that AI technologies deliver measurable value to our clients and communities without causing harm, bias, or discrimination.

2. Our Core Ethical Principles

a. Fairness and Non-Discrimination

We actively prevent and mitigate bias in AI models and datasets.
DataLens ensures that:

• •Datasets are reviewed for representativeness and accuracy across demographic and geographic segments.
• •Model outputs are regularly audited quarterly or upon major dataset/model updates to detect and correct unintended bias or unfair treatment.
  → Meets UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendation on continuous monitoring
• •Decision-making algorithms are designed to promote equitable access to opportunities and information.

b. Transparency and Explainability

We believe that users deserve to understand how AI decisions are made.
Therefore:

• •We communicate the purpose, scope, and logic behind AI models in clear and accessible language.
• •We provide explanations for significant automated decisions, particularly those impacting users or organizations.
• •We disclose when AI-generated insights or predictions are used in any DataLens report or product.

c. Privacy and Data Protection

Our AI systems are built with privacy by design, in alignment with our Privacy Policy and relevant laws (including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and GDPR-equivalent standards).
We ensure that:

• •Personal data is anonymized or aggregated before AI training.
• •AI models do not expose, memorize, or reconstruct identifiable personal information.
• •Data is only used for legitimate, consent-based purposes.

d. Accountability and Governance

DataLens maintains internal review mechanisms to ensure ethical oversight at every stage of the AI lifecycle.

• •We establish an AI Governance Committee to review new AI features and data partnerships.
• •We maintain model documentation (datasheets, system cards) for traceability.
• •We provide channels for users and partners to report ethical concerns or algorithmic harms.

e. Human Oversight

AI systems at DataLens are designed to augment, not replace, human judgment.
We ensure:

• •Critical decisions (e.g., policy insights, credit analytics, or demographic predictions) are subject to human validation.
• •Users remain in control of final interpretations and actions derived from AI outputs.

f. Societal and Environmental Responsibility

We recognize the role of AI in shaping sustainable and inclusive development across Africa.
Our AI systems:

• •Are built to support economic empowerment, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
• •Avoid use cases that promote surveillance, misinformation, or unethical manipulation.

3. Ethical Use of Data and AI

DataLens will not knowingly engage in or support:

• •The use of AI for discriminatory profiling or unlawful surveillance
• •Manipulation or suppression of data for political or deceptive purposes
• •Deployment of AI in contexts that endanger human rights or violate local regulations

We encourage responsible data sharing and collaboration that respects cultural diversity, local data sovereignty, and the collective good.

4. Review, Monitoring, and Continuous Improvement

AI ethics is an evolving discipline.
DataLens commits to:

• •Conducting quarterly ethical audits of its AI models and data practices
• •Updating this Policy periodically to reflect new laws, best practices, and stakeholder feedback
• •Training employees and partners on responsible AI development and use

5. Reporting Concerns or Violations

We welcome feedback and concerns regarding the ethical use of AI.
If you believe any DataLens system or product has produced unfair, biased, or harmful outcomes, please contact our AI Ethics Office at hello@datalens.africa.
All reports will be reviewed confidentially and addressed promptly.

6. Legal and Policy Alignment

This AI Ethics Policy operates in conjunction with:

• •The DataLens Privacy Policy
• •The Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023
• •The OECD Principles on AI
• •The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

7. Commitment

At DataLens, we believe that ethical AI is not a compliance checkbox — it is a core value.
By embedding ethical standards in every algorithm, dataset, and insight, we aim to build trust, empower users, and drive responsible innovation across Africa and beyond.