Carissa Véliz

Carissa Véliz

The Leading Authority on AI Ethics and Digital Privacy

Core Intelligence Domain: AI Ethics & Digital Privacy
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom | Languages: English, Spanish
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Carissa Véliz is an internationally acclaimed academic, bestselling author, and strategic advisor specialising in digital privacy, artificial intelligence ethics, and the philosophy of technology. As an Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford, her proprietary frameworks challenge the contemporary data economy, positioning privacy not merely as a personal preference, but as a critical lever of corporate responsibility, geopolitical security, and democratic integrity. She advises C-suite executives, policymakers, and global institutions on navigating the moral and strategic complexities of algorithmic deployment, data governance, and regulatory compliance.

Professor Véliz is best known as the author of the highly influential book Privacy Is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data, which became a global bestseller and was named an Economist Book of the Year. Her extensive research exposes the systemic vulnerabilities embedded within modern data harvesting practices. By framing personal data as a toxic asset rather than merely a resource, she provides forward-thinking organisations with actionable foresight on impending technological regulations, ethical compliance, and the critical preservation of consumer trust.

In her capacity at the University of Oxford, she serves as a Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy at Hertford College and works extensively with international think tanks. She has provided expert testimony and advisory services to governments and regulatory bodies worldwide, advocating for stringent privacy laws and the ethical design of artificial intelligence systems. A prominent voice in the global media, Professor Véliz frequently contributes her insights to premier publications, including The Guardian, The New York Times, New Statesman, Harvard Business Review, and El País, actively shaping the public and corporate discourse on the future of technology.

Core Speaking Themes & Strategic Topics

• Privacy Is Power: Understanding the strategic necessity of data protection for corporate resilience, competitive advantage, and mitigating the risks of a data-driven economy.
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the moral landscapes of algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and the safe deployment of enterprise AI.
• The Future of the Data Economy: Preparing for the paradigm shift from exploitative data harvesting to privacy-centric, sustainable business models.
• Technological Governance and Regulation: Strategic foresight on global tech policies, navigating GDPR compliance, and adapting to upcoming international AI legislative frameworks.
• Digital Trust and Corporate Responsibility: Strategies for rebuilding and maintaining consumer confidence in an era defined by data breaches, surveillance capitalism, and algorithmic manipulation.
• Data as a Toxic Asset: Re-evaluating corporate data storage practices to minimise liability, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory exposure.

Career Highlights & Achievements

• Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI and the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford.
• Tutorial Fellow at Hertford College, Oxford.
• Author of the acclaimed bestseller Privacy Is Power, recognised globally as a definitive text on digital rights and corporate data ethics.
• Expert advisor to international governments, parliamentary committees, and regulatory bodies on data ethics, privacy legislation, and AI governance.
• Editor of the highly regarded Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics, a comprehensive academic resource on the moral implications of emerging technologies.
• Frequent keynote speaker at leading global technology summits, corporate leadership retreats, and policy forums.
• Recipient of multiple academic and professional accolades for her profound contributions to the advancement of digital human rights.

Key Takeaways

• Data is a Corporate Liability: Véliz’s frameworks demonstrate that accumulating unnecessary data exponentially increases security risks, regulatory exposure, and reputational damage.
• Ethical AI is a Competitive Differentiator: Integrating philosophical rigour and ethical frameworks into AI development ensures long-term sustainability, market trust, and brand loyalty.
• Privacy Preserves Democracy and Enterprise: Strong data governance is essential not just for strict business compliance, but for the fundamental protection of civic institutions, human rights, and global stability.