The “A Values-Based Tech Policy?” panel at TruCon 2024 explored the profound implications of leading with ethical principles in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. The panel addressed questions at the intersection of technology, democracy, and societal values, particularly as tech companies increasingly shape the way we live, work, and engage with the world.
Key Themes:
- Ethical Considerations in Technology Development: Technology influences nearly every aspect of daily life. From accessing essential services to participating in democratic processes, the ubiquity of connective technologies underscores the importance of understanding and prioritizing ethical considerations. Panelists agreed that it is ultimately the actions of people and institutions that determine the impact of technology. Camille Stewart Gloster, former Deputy National Cyber Director for The White House, stated: “We as national security practitioners…need to understand the context in which technology operates [and] how it is weaponized or leveraged for good.”
- Responsible Innovation: The panel examined the implications of a values-based approach to technology, addressing the need for tech companies to balance innovation and development with responsibility, particularly concerning user privacy. With tech companies racing to bring products to market, there was a shared hope among panelists that tech companies will increasingly scrutinize potentially harmful or untested technologies.
- Geopolitical Implications of Tech Policy: Central to the discussion was the recognition that tech policy is often shaped by geopolitical competition, particularly between the US and China, sometimes at the expense of robust regulatory and privacy standards. Panelists stressed the urgency for the US government to develop and legislate a cohesive privacy strategy that prioritizes innovation while safeguarding user rights. Sidney Olynik, Founder & CEO of Duco, addressed the involvement of tech companies in shaping US politics when many elected officials engage in disinformation, and added that companies will have an increasingly important role in shaping American foreign policy.
- Challenges of Online Disinformation: While many US companies are actively combatting disinformation, panelists highlighted the relentless tactics of bad actors, underscoring the need for more comprehensive tech policy measures.
The panel emphasized the importance of proactive government intervention in shaping a tech ecosystem that balances innovation with ethical responsibility. As technology evolves, fostering dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society will be essential in ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and contribute to the betterment of humanity.
Written by Eden Zaborowski and Chris Aboukhaled
