The public deserves digital peace of mind, and “scraping” doesn’t have to be a dirty word when it is done responsibly, but responsibility needs defining.
The web data aggregation (“web scraping”) industry is still young, and still growing. As with any industry in its early stages, those working in this field have a one-time opportunity to shape how it is developed and perceived.
This industry will not stand to allow bad examples to define it, and so we’re organizing and taking action.
The Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI) is an international, industry-led consortium of web data collectors focused on strengthening public trust, promoting ethical guidelines, and helping businesses make informed data aggregation choices.
EWDCI is dedicated to defining positive and beneficial uses of the important abilities and potential of web data collection and aggregation at scale.
What we do:
Our
Misson
Advocate
Advocate for responsible web data collection, including any gathering of personal data.
Educate
Educate and guide the industry on the use or ethical resources and tools used in wed data collection.
Foster
Foster consumer confidence in data collection through transparency and accountability.
Enable
Enable commercial innovation to enhance competitiveness, drive growth, and expand opportunities across diverse markets.
Promote
Promote online safety through proactive measures that ensure the protection of personal data and privacy.
Our goal is to prevent harmful legislation from passage worldwide, but also, potentially to seek inclusion in federal laws. In addition, we are building a framework to establish an open, participatory process around the development of legal and ethical web scraping provider principles, and then hold industry leaders accountable for those ethics. This work is ongoing and needs your insight!
Web scraping can be an ethical practice that invites progress for the free and open Internet, but it requires leaders to step up and make it so.
Our Partnership
About EWDCI + i2Coalition
The Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI)
EWDCI fosters collaboration in web data collection, leveraging industry insights to advocate for ethical standards and best practices. It strengthens public trust, promotes guidelines, and helps businesses make informed data aggregation decisions.
The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition, i2C)
i2C is the leading voice for web hosting, cloud infrastructure, and related tech. It advocates for sensible policies, industry standards, and best practices while raising awareness of Internet infrastructure. i2C also founded the VPN Trust Initiative to promote best practices in the VPN industry.
Participating Members
