Data Ethics and our T&Cs

All tech is political. From the metal extracted to run code, the authors writing code and the power generated to cool the metal. Raise that by magnitudes for data.

This page contains information about both our ethics, code of conduct for events and general terms and conditions. If you have any questions please get in touch hello@gpcds.com.

Data Ethics

GenAI Policy

GenAI tools should not be used casually without understanding the deep ethical impacts of the energy use of GenAI, copyright infringement and what it means for creativity.

We fully understand that many of our clients have benefited from all sorts of generative tools. Individuals and companies have the freedom to exercise lifestyle choices the way they see fit.

  • Memes over slop.
    We refuse to use GenAI tools for single use images, it’s equivalent to single use e-waste. Memes are wonderful, silly and evidence of human community.
    GenAI images will always be clearly marked when we are aware of their provenance.

  • Creativity over unattributed rehashing
    Forgetting for a moment that they hallucinate, GenAI tools do not help you understand we stand on the shoulders of giants and that.

  • We do not use any GenAI tools with clients data, information or ideas without a client specifically requesting them.

  • We refuse to use any generative images without disclosing their origin.

  • We refuse to use GenAI tools for idea generation without disclosing their use, and do not begin with GenAI.

  • We exercise restraint in the use of generative coding tools. It would be silly to refuse to use command completion, auto-correct and other common IDE features. Similarly, refusing to engage with any generative code tools feels reactive. However, vibe coding doesn’t align with our desire to truly understand the work and data that we interact with.

Licensed images

GPCDS uses images from flaticon.com and have purchases licenses for these images.

Code of Conduct for Events

You are required to agree to this code of conduct when attending our events. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.

We have developed this code of conduct (adapted from confcodeofconduct.com/) to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone attending our online or in-person events.

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of other participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from courses and/or workshops they are signed up for without a refund.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, we may take any action we deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the workshop or course they are signed up for with no refund.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact us immediately. All reports will be taken seriously.

Terms and Conditions

Graph | Plot | Chart | Data Story and GPCDS are trading names of Visible Data Ltd. Visible Data Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company No: 10489177

Ticket Refund Policy

Unless otherwise stated in your ticket, our default refunds policy is as follows:

  • If notice is provided

    • within 21 days or more in advance you will receive a full refund, less a £30 administration fee.

    • within 14 days or more you will be charged 50% of the ticket price, plus a £30 administration fee

    • less than 14 days you will not receive a refund.

  • Non-attendance will be charged at the full rate.

  • If the unexpected happens, please contact hello@gpcds.com. If possible, we’ll transfer your bookings to another workshop.