Tech Innovation Initiative: Discussion with Board Chair Jennie Baird on Preserving Online Privacy
The Ethical Tech Project: Empowering Tech Builders for a Brighter Future
Jennie Baird, Chair of The Ethical Tech Project's Board, brings over 30 years of experience in digital media and technology to her role at this nonprofit organisation. Having retired as Chief Product Officer of BBC Studios, she now focuses her efforts on promoting "tech for good" initiatives, including her work at The Ethical Tech Project[1].
Founded by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Chavez, The Ethical Tech Project has been in existence for four years. The organisation's mission is to protect fundamental privacy rights and to advocate for transparency in how big tech companies control and use personal data[1].
One of the key programs delivered by The Ethical Tech Project is The Privacy Stack, a reference architecture for privacy engineering. This resource aims to make privacy engineering more accessible and practical for tech builders. The organisation also offers The Ethical Tech Curriculum, a 10-module program designed to train tech and AI builders in more ethical practices[1].
The Ethical Tech Project has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and grow. Initially focusing on data privacy, it has since expanded to include education on safety, misinformation, accessibility, and sustainability in AI. The organisation also adapts its curriculum to bring Ethical Tech and AI training to corporations and industry events[1].
The Ethical Tech Fellowship, a programme that received over 150 applicants in less than 10 days, is another key initiative. The Fellowship provides a platform for early- to midcareer professionals to pitch their ideas for new ethically-minded businesses, products, services, and features[1]. Jennie Baird shares that her favourite memory working for The Ethical Tech Project was the conclusion of the Ethical Tech Fellowship, where Fellows presented their innovative ideas[1].
However, The Ethical Tech Project faces challenges in demonstrating that doing the right thing when it comes to tech and AI ethics will be good for the bottom line, especially in the current climate. Despite these challenges, the organisation is seeking to scale its programs quickly, launching corporate trainings and exploring pathways to connect capital with ethical tech ideas[1].
The Ethical Tech Project partners with other organisations in the tech for good space but focuses on synthesising and amplifying the research and best practices developed by these organisations[1]. It also conducts research, such as a first-of-its-kind consumer survey on GenAI.
In a world where technology is increasingly shaping our lives, The Ethical Tech Project stands out by focusing on practical tools and education for tech builders (engineers, designers, product managers, data scientists, digital marketers, and company founders). Its mission is to empower these builders to make decisions that engender trust and support human flourishing.
[1] Source: The Ethical Tech Project's official website and press releases.
Artificial-intelligence plays a significant role in The Ethical Tech Project's training programs, as they aim to educate tech builders, including AI builders, on more ethical practices. The organization's mission extends beyond data privacy to include safety, misinformation, accessibility, and sustainability in AI.
