## Ontological Neutrality Theorem: Implications for Data Systems A recent study published on arXiv presents an impossibility theorem regarding ontological neutrality. The research highlights how modern data systems, called upon to support accountability in contexts of persistent legal, political, and analytical disagreement, must face stringent design constraints. The theorem establishes that neutrality, understood as interpretive non-commitment and stability with respect to incompatible extensions, is incompatible with the inclusion of causal or normative commitments in the foundational layer of an ontology. In other words, an ontology that asserts causal or deontic conclusions as ontological facts cannot serve as a neutral substrate between divergent frameworks without revisions or contradictions. ## Requirements for Neutral Ontological Substrates The research suggests that neutral ontological substrates must be pre-causal and pre-normative, representing entities, together with identity and persistence conditions, externalizing interpretation, evaluation, and explanation. The study does not propose a specific ontology or protocol, but defines the design constraints necessary for any system that intends to maintain a shared and stable representation of reality in the presence of conflicting interpretive frameworks. In summary, the work emphasizes the importance of separating ontological facts from external interpretations and evaluations to ensure the neutrality and stability of data systems in complex and controversial contexts.