DE-BIAS
Archives are an essential part of our collective memory. They provide access to stories that reflect our past, present, and future. But what happens when the language used to describe collections is biased or offensive to certain communities? Sound & Vision contributed to the DE-BIAS project, which detects harmful language in metadata and suggests more inclusive alternatives.
Archives are an essential part of our collective memory. They provide access to stories that reflect our past, present, and future. But what happens when the language used to describe collections is biased or offensive to certain communities? Sound & Vision contributed to the DE-BIAS project, which detects harmful language in metadata and suggests more inclusive alternatives.
The way we describe heritage objects helps us understand and appreciate our shared cultural history. However, the cataloguing language used by most cultural heritage institutions can be biased or one-sided. Many organisations are aware of this issue but struggle to update their databases due to the scale and complexity of their collections. To address this challenge, the DE-BIAS project was launched.
The DE-BIAS Tool on Europeana
Within the project, and in collaboration with underrepresented communities, a tool was developed that automatically detects biased language on Europeana.eu, provides context, and suggests more appropriate terms. Europeana is the European platform that makes audiovisual and cultural heritage collections accessible, discoverable, and reusable in an international context. Institutions with collections available through Europeana can start using the tool directly.
Standalone version DE-BIAS tool
For heritage organisations that do not publish their data via Europeana, a standalone version of the tool is also available.
Role Sound & Vision
From January 2023 to December 2024, Sound & Vision played a key role in the DE-BIAS project. Taking the lead in testing various tools and collaborating with stakeholders, the institute ensured that the outcomes aligned with the needs of cultural heritage organisations. Its contribution also included selecting relevant datasets and engaging with communities that are often underrepresented in heritage collections.
Partners
DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum (co-ordinator), Datoptron, European Fashion Heritage Association, ThinkCode, Michael Culture Association, European Centre for Cultural Organisation and Management, KU Leuven, Archive Portal Europe Foundation, French Ministry of Culture, Europeana Foundation, The Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision.
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