Why transparency is the real AI challenge in market research with Howard Fienberg
May 5, 2026
AI is transforming market research, but regulation and ethics are struggling to keep pace. In this episode of The Curiosity Current, Stephanie and Molly speak with Howard Fienberg, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Insights Association, about how researchers can navigate growing complexity around AI, privacy laws, and participant trust. Howard shares guidance on staying responsible while the tools and expectations continue to evolve.
In this episode of The Curiosity Current, Stephanie and Molly are joined by Howard Fienberg, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Insights Association. They discuss how AI is reshaping market research, the challenges of keeping up with evolving regulations, and the ethical responsibilities that remain constant despite rapid technological change.
Howard explains that both policymakers and the insights industry are navigating a mix of optimism and uncertainty when it comes to AI. As tools become more powerful, expectations around transparency, consent, and data handling are becoming more important. The conversation explores what transparency looks like in practice.
They also unpack the complexity of the regulatory landscape. The discussion touches on the Insights Association’s updated code of ethics, the importance of keeping humans involved in research processes, and how to maintain respect for participants in an increasingly automated environment.
The episode closes with a broader look at the census, data quality, and the importance of advocacy in shaping the future of the insights industry.
What you’ll learn:
- How AI is shaping both industry practices and regulatory thinking in market research
- Why transparency is becoming the most critical principle in AI-driven research
- How to navigate fragmented privacy laws across multiple jurisdictions
- The risks of misalignment between your policies and actual research practices
- What the updated Insights Association ethics code means in practical terms
- Why human oversight remains essential in AI-assisted research workflows
- How to design research that respects participants’ time, data, and expectations
- What researchers need to understand about the census and its impact on sampling
- Where to start if you want to stay compliant in a fast-changing regulatory environment
About the guest:
Howard Fienberg is the Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Insights Association, where he works at the intersection of public policy and the market research industry. He engages with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders on issues including consumer privacy, AI regulation, research ethics, and data policy. With nearly two decades of experience, Howard plays a key role in shaping how the insights industry responds to evolving legal and ethical challenges.
Episode Resources:
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