If your company uses big data, be aware: the FTC is watching, and it’s concerned.

For all its potential benefits, big data can lead to discrimination and worsen economic disparity, the Federal Trade Commission warned in a new report that includes caveats and guidelines for businesses. Entitled “Big Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion?” the report stems from a 2014 FTC workshop by the same name and incorporates the public comments that followed.

Among the report’s conclusions is that big data can benefit under-served populations through better opportunities for education, credit, health care and employment. On the flip side, however, it can lead to reduced opportunities and the targeting of vulnerable consumers for fraud and higher prices.

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