Ethical and Legal Issues Surrounding the Digitization of Culturally Sensitive Archaeological Materials

EasyChair Preprint 14264

Abstract

The digitization of culturally sensitive archaeological materials has transformed the field of archaeology by enhancing accessibility and preservation. However, this advancement raises significant ethical and legal issues that must be carefully navigated. Ethically, digitization poses challenges related to the ownership and control of cultural heritage, particularly when dealing with artifacts of indigenous or marginalized communities. There is a risk of misuse or misrepresentation of these materials, which can lead to cultural appropriation and the erosion of traditional knowledge. Legally, the complexities arise from varying national and international laws concerning intellectual property, data protection, and repatriation. The lack of a unified framework often leads to conflicts between the rights of the source communities and the practices of academic and commercial institutions. This abstract explores these ethical and legal dilemmas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies and collaborative approaches that respect cultural sensitivities while advancing archaeological research.

Keyphrases: Digitization, Ethical and Legal Issues, archaeological materials

@booklet{EasyChair:14264,
  author    = {Ralph Shad and Axel Egon and Kaledio Potter},
  title     = {Ethical and Legal Issues Surrounding the Digitization of Culturally Sensitive Archaeological Materials},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14264},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}