Ethical and legal challenges of digital twin technologies in residential buildings
Armin Mehdipour, Hossein Omrany, Karam M. Al-Obaidi, Manea Almatared, Noreen Izza Arshad, Samad M.E. Sepasgozar, Amirhosein GhaffarianhoseiniPurpose
The literature on the ethical and legal challenges associated with Home Digital Twin technologies is fragmented, limiting a coherent understanding of how these issues are addressed. Therefore, this study aims to synthesise the key ethical and legal challenges related to the use of digital twin technologies in residential buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured integrative literature review, supported by a systematic search of Scopus and Web of Science, was conducted. Following the screening process, 41 publications were included and analysed using a hybrid inductive–deductive content analysis.
Findings
Five overarching themes were identified: (1) data privacy and security, (2) bias and fairness, (3) informed consent, (4) transparency and accountability, and (5) informed decision-making. Collectively, these findings indicate a structural imbalance in digital twin applications in residential buildings, where technical capabilities are advancing more rapidly than legal accountability, regulatory clarity, and enforceable user protections. This misalignment raises concerns about trust, autonomy, and fairness in digitally mediated residential environments and points to the need for stronger governance responses.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the current knowledge by synthesising fragmented ethical and legal discussions on the use of digital twins in residential buildings and articulating their shared governance implications. By organising these issues into five main themes, the study offers a structured understanding of challenges that are typically examined in isolation.