Interview with Jennie Baird, Board Chair of The Ethical Tech Project, Discussing Measures to Safeguard Privacy
The Ethical Tech Project, a non-profit organisation founded by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Chavez, is making waves in the tech industry. Led by Jennie Baird, a seasoned digital media and tech product leader, the project is dedicated to ensuring people have insight into how their data is used and controlled by big tech companies, advocating for universal privacy rights.
Jennie Baird, who retired as Chief Product Officer of BBC Studios, now dedicates her time to technology-for-good projects, including leading The Ethical Tech Project. Her extensive experience in digital media and product leadership positions her well to guide this organisation aimed at addressing the ethical challenges posed by technology.
One of the significant projects delivered by The Ethical Tech Project is The Privacy Stack, a reference architecture for privacy engineering. This resource provides a comprehensive guide for tech builders to incorporate privacy protections into their products from the outset.
The Ethical Tech Project has also conducted a first-of-its-kind consumer survey on GenAI, gathering valuable insights into public perception and concerns about artificial intelligence.
The demand for the Ethical Tech Project's initiatives is evident, as the Ethical Tech Fellowship received over 150 applicants in less than 10 days. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn about ethical tech practices and develop ethically-minded business ideas.
The Ethical Tech Project is currently grant-funded and is seeking to develop relationships with additional grantmakers. To scale its programs quickly, the project is launching corporate trainings and exploring connections with investors. However, one challenge faced by the organisation is demonstrating that ethical tech practices will be good for the bottom line, given the shifting climate around tech and AI regulation.
Despite these challenges, Jennie Baird remains optimistic. Her favourite memory working for The Ethical Tech Project was the conclusion of the Ethical Tech Fellowship and the pitching of new ethically-minded business ideas by the Fellows.
The Ethical Tech Project differentiates itself from other non-profits by focusing on practical tools and education for tech builders, rather than research, policy advocacy, or training under-represented populations in STEM. The Ethical Tech Curriculum, a 10-module program, is designed to train tech and AI builders in more ethical practices.
In its four-year existence, The Ethical Tech Project has delivered several key programs and projects, including the Ethical Tech Fellows pilot cohort. Initially focusing on data privacy, the project has since expanded to include education on safety, misinformation, accessibility, and sustainability in tech and AI.
The Ethical Tech Project is committed to equipping tech and AI builders to make decisions that engender trust and support human flourishing. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the project's mission becomes increasingly important, ensuring that technology serves the best interests of society.
[1] Source: The Ethical Tech Project's official website and various news articles.
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