VIwaarden

VIwaarden is a framework used in ethics and policy analysis to evaluate the societal impacts of technology and governance proposals. The term combines the Roman numeral VI, indicating six, with waarden, the Dutch word for values. It is used to examine how decisions affect core social values rather than focusing solely on technical performance.

The framework identifies six core values: vrijheid (freedom and autonomy), privacy, veiligheid (safety), transparantie (transparency), rechtvaardigheid (fairness), and verantwoordelijkheid (accountability). In practice, VIwaarden guides ontwerpers, beleidsmakers en onderzoekers to map design choices to these values, discuss potential trade-offs, and seek decisions that balance competing aims. The method can involve qualitative descriptions, stakeholder workshops, and, where possible, scoring or indicators that reflect the degree of alignment with each value.

Originating in Dutch academic and policy debates in the 21st century, VIwaarden has been used in case studies on artificial intelligence, data governance and smart city initiatives. It is not a standardized global protocol, and different groups may weight values differently or add contextual considerations.

Critics argue that the framework can be vague, culturally biased, or instrumentalized to justify compromises. Proponents note that it provides a common language for comparing alternatives and encourages stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making.

See also: value-sensitive design, ethics of technology, normative impact assessment, public policy evaluation.