# Network of Global Future CouncilsGlobal Future Council on Data Frontiers

[Discover our Councils](https://initiatives.weforum.org/global-future-council/councils)


## About the Global Future Council on Data Frontiers

The rapid advancement of AI and genAI, along with the melding of human and machine capabilities, requires new frameworks for responsible data and IP governance.AI-generated and synthetic data emerge as double-edged, offering significant opportunities to drive AI advancement, address data scarcity and strengthen privacy, but also complicating IP ownership while introducing risks such as amplification of biases, generation of misleading data and the specter of AI autophagy and “model collapse.”How can the transformative potential of synthetic data and genAI be harnessed to preserve agency and ensure equitable outcomes, appropriate attribution, privacy safeguards and fair benefit sharing?


## Co-Chairs


## Members

*Browse and filter community members*


## Members

*Browse and filter community members*


## Publications


## Briefing PaperSynthetic Data: The New Data Frontier

Access to high-quality, representative data remains one of the biggest barriers to innovation. Bias, scarcity, and privacy concerns often limit the potential of using real-world data for AI model development. Synthetic data – data generated to mirror real-world patterns – is emerging as a transformative solution. It can fill gaps, protect privacy, and enable new possibilities across healthcare, financial inclusion, crisis modelling, and more.This briefing paper explores how leaders can responsibly harness synthetic data, balancing innovation with trust, equity, and accountability.Published: September 2025

[Read the paper](https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Synthetic_Data_2025.pdf)


## BlogAs AI blurs the lines between real and synthetic data, strong governance is essential

This agenda blog supplements the Council's previous publication, "Synthetic Data: The New Data Frontier". It argues that as the proliferation of synthetic data expands, the line between real and artificial blurs, threatening trust, distorting knowledge and embedding systemic risks.The opportunities for using synthetic data are vast, but success will rely on strong governance, inclusive and high-quality data practices and transparent collaboration among developers, scientists, policy-makers and organizational leaders.Published: October 15, 2025

[Read the blog](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/ai-synthetic-data-strong-governance/)


## White PaperAdvancing Data Equity: An Action-Oriented Framework

Automated decision-making systems based on algorithms and data are increasingly common today, with profound implications for individuals, communities and society. More than ever before, data equity is a shared responsibility that requires collective action to create data practices and systems that promote fair and just outcomes for all.This paper, produced by members of the Global Future Council on Data Equity, proposes a data equity definition and framework for inquiry that spurs ongoing dialogue and continuous action towards implementing data equity in organizations. This framework serves as a dynamic tool for stakeholders committed to operationalizing data equity, across various sectors and regions, given the rapidly evolving data and technology landscapes.Published: September 11, 2024

[Read the paper](https://www.weforum.org/publications/advancing-data-equity-an-action-oriented-framework/)


## Insights

*Articles, analysis and thought leadership*


## Podcasts

*Latest podcast episodes*


### Explore all of the councils

The network convenes over 700 experts from academia, business, government, civil society and international organizations, operating as a time-bound think-tank, grouped in expertise-based thematic councils, to identify and disseminate transformative ideas with the potential for positive global impact.

[Explore](https://initiatives.weforum.org/global-future-council/councils)


### Part of the Centre for AI Excellence

Learn more about the Centre's work.

[Explore](https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-ai-excellence/home)


### AI Global Alliance

Learn more about the World Economic Forum's AI Governance Alliance

[Explore](https://initiatives.weforum.org/ai-global-alliance/home)


## Forum Insights

*World Economic Forum insights and analysis*