Technology is transforming every area of our lives. But as it opens new avenues and shows us fresh possibilities, tech can also deepen existing inequalities. We believe in harnessing technology to serve justice and the public interest—and we see a wealth of opportunities to do so.
That’s why we're working with a community of partners to develop a path for people to use their technology skills to change the world for the better: the professional field of public interest technology.
To thrive, it needs the talent and dedication of people across academia, civil society, government and private sectors. Which one are you?
The above examples represent leaders in the Public Interest Tech community and is not exhaustive.
Public interest technology is about all of us.
Public interest technology is just what it sounds like—technology used to serve the public good. That can mean working to ensure that as the U.S. census goes online for the first time, it is accessible and accurate. It can mean researching the negative side effects of using artificial intelligence in our criminal justice system, or even developing technical standards that emphasize privacy and free expression.
Increasingly, people want to play a role in solving the world’s problems—from income inequality to health disparities, discrimination, and the impacts of climate change. In a recent survey, more than 90 percent of millennials said they want to use their skills for good. More than half of those surveyed report that they would take a pay cut for work that aligns with their values.
When it comes to tech, social justice organizations can’t afford to opt out. To have real impact, organizations need to be savvy about how they use technology. With the constant churn and change in tech tools, this can be daunting. But failing to take technology seriously can devastate organizations, leaving data and security vulnerable—and leaving powerful opportunities for impact on the table.
Learn more about the individuals and organizations growing the field of public interest technology below.
