Description
Christmas returns every year as an opportunity to stop, breathe and reconnect with what inspires us. From datos.gob.es, we take advantage of these dates to share our traditional letter of recommendations: a selection of books that invite us to better understand the digital world, reflect on the impact of artificial intelligence, improve our professional skills and look at the ethical dilemmas that mark our time.
In this post, we compile works on technological ethics, digital society, AI engineering, quantum computing, machine learning, and data governance. A varied list, with titles in both Spanish and English, which combines academic rigour, dissemination and critical vision. If you are looking for a book that will make you grow, surprise a loved one or simply feed your curiosity, here you will find options for all tastes.
The ethics of artificial intelligence by Sara Degli-Esposti
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What is it about? This specialist in privacy and data analysis offers a clear and rigorous vision of the risks and opportunities of AI applied to areas such as health, safety, public policy or digital communication. Her proposal stands out for integrating legal, socio-technical and fundamental rights perspectives.
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Who is it for? Readers looking for a solid introduction to the international debate on AI ethics and regulation.
Available for free here: https://ciec.edu.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LA-ETICA-DE-LA-INTELIGENCIA-ARTIFICIAL.pdf
Understand Nate Gentile's technology
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What is it about? In this book, the popularizer and specialist in hardware and digital culture Nate Gentile debunks myths, explains technical concepts in an accessible way and offers a critical look at how the technology we use every day really works. From processor performance and system architectures to the business models of large platforms, the book combines technical rigor with a relatable style, accompanied by practical examples and anecdotes from the technology community.
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Who is it for? Curious readers who want to better understand the inner workings of devices, professionals who are looking for an informative but precise approach, and anyone who wants to lose their fear of technology and understand it more consciously.
Clicks Against Humanity by James Williams
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What is it about? This journalistic work analyzes how digital platforms shape our attention, our beliefs and our decisions. Through true stories, the book shows the impact of algorithmic design on politics, public opinion, and daily life. An incisive and timely read, especially at a time of growing concern about misinformation and the attention economy.
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Who is it for? Those who want to understand how platforms work and what effects they can have on society.
The Spring of Artificial Intelligence by Carmen Torrijos and José Carlos Sánchez
- What is it about? Based on everyday examples, the authors explain what language models really are, how technologies such as ChatGPT or computer vision work, what transformations they are generating in sectors such as education, creativity or communication, and what their current limits are. In addition, they provide a critical reflection on the ethical, social and labour challenges associated with this new wave of innovation.
- Who is it for? Readers who want to understand the current phenomenon of AI without the need for technical knowledge, teachers and professionals looking to contextualize its impact on their sector, and anyone interested in understanding what is behind the generative AI boom and how it can influence our immediate future.
Design of Machine Learning Systems by Chip Huyen
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What is it about? It's a modern, practical primer that explains, from start to finish, how to design, deploy, and maintain robust machine learning systems. Chip Huyen combines technical expertise with informative clarity, covering everything from data engineering to model monitoring and MLOps. A highly valued work in the industry.
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Who is it for? Technical professionals, teams implementing AI-based products, and students who want to understand how real systems are built in production.
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Information Technologies by Gabriela Arriagada-Bruneau, Claudia López and Marcelo Mendoza
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What is it about? This book addresses one of the great challenges of our time: how to develop AI systems that respect people and society. The authors analyze principles of equity, transparency, accountability, and governance, combining philosophical foundations with practical examples. Its Ibero-American approach is particularly valuable in understanding how these challenges affect this region.
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Who is it for? Students, public officials, technology professionals and anyone who wants to understand the ethical dilemmas behind the algorithms we use every day.
Generative Deep Learning: Teaching Machines to Paint, Write, Compose, and Play de David Foster
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What is it about? This work, which is already a classic in its field, introduces the most important generative architectures (GANs, VAEs, diffusion models) with examples and reproducible code. The second edition updates concepts and provides new practical cases related to text, sound and image.
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Who is it for? Those who want to learn how to create generative models from scratch or understand the technologies behind automatic content creation.
Michio Kaku's quantum supremacy
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What is it about? Quantum computing has ceased to be science fiction and has become a global strategic field. Michio Kaku, a renowned popularizer, explains clearly what a qubit is, how quantum computers work, what limits they present and what transformations they will promote in cryptography, chemical simulation or artificial intelligence.
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Who is it for? Ideal for science lovers, technologically curious and readers who want to peek into the future of computing without the need for advanced mathematical knowledge.
Data Governance based on UNE specifications by Ismael Caballero, Fernando Gualo and Mario G. Piattini
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What is it about? This book is a complete guide to understanding and applying UNE standards relating to data governance in organisations. Clearly explain how to structure roles, processes, policies, and controls to manage data as a strategic asset. It includes case studies, maturity models, implementation examples and guidance to align governance with international standards and with the real needs of the public and private sectors. A particularly useful resource at a time when data quality, traceability and interoperability are critical to driving digital transformation.
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Who is it for? Data Managers (CDOs), analytics and architecture teams, government professionals, consultants, and any organization that wants to implement a formal data governance model based on recognized standards.
While we'd love to include many more titles, this selection is already a great starting point for exploring the big themes that will shape the digital transformation of the coming years. If you feel like giving knowledge as a gift this holiday season, these works will be a sure hit: they combine current affairs, critical reflection, practical applications and a broad look at the technological future.
Remember that, although here we mention titles that you can find in online bookstores, we always encourage you to check your neighborhood bookstore first. It's a great way to support small businesses and help keep the cultural ecosystem alive and vibrant.
Would you recommend another title?
At datos.gob.es we love to discover new readings. If you know of a book on data, AI, technology or digital society that deserves to be in future editions, you can share it in the comments or write to us at dinamizacion@datos.gob.es. Happy holidays and happy reading!
