Data Management in Data Science

Abstract

The report addresses principles and ethical guidelines for data handling based on the DAV’s professional code of conduct and relevant laws in this area. In particular, it covers principles for handling special categories of personal data and provides guidance on the use of methods and tools for data processing.

Actuaries (hereafter referring to members of the German Actuarial Association, DAV) are well equipped through their fundamental skills in mathematics, statistics, and programming languages to understand and pursue new approaches in data science. The continuous development requires ongoing training and acquisition of new skills. This presents actuaries with a variety of professional challenges.

The guidance provided in this report complements the DAV’s professional code by offering general principles and ethical standards for data science. It serves as support for handling data and the associated tools and methods.

The following assumes that actuaries’ employers (e.g., insurance companies) have implemented all necessary technical and organizational measures according to legal requirements (such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation) and that actuaries have been adequately trained by their employers. Various roles attributed to actuaries beyond their core duties are not explicitly mentioned here, as these vary widely between companies.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Federal Data Protection Act remain unaffected by the principles outlined below.

The report is addressed to members and committees of the DAV to inform them about the current state of discussion and findings and does not represent an officially sanctioned professional position of the DAV.