Tech Venture's Interview with Jennie Baird, Board Chair: Discussion on Safeguarding Privacy in the Digital Realm
The Ethical Tech Project, a non-profit organisation founded by serial entrepreneur Tom Chavez, has been making waves in the tech industry with its mission to promote transparency and ethical control of user data. The project, chaired by longtime digital media executive Jennie Baird, has been gaining traction due to its focus on practical tools and education for tech builders (engineers, designers, product managers, data scientists, digital marketers, and company founders).
Recently, The Ethical Tech Project conducted a first-of-its-kind consumer survey on GenAI, a significant step in its ongoing efforts to educate and advocate for ethical AI practices. The project's initial focus on data privacy has expanded to include education on AI, safety, misinformation, accessibility, and sustainability, reflecting the evolving needs of the tech industry.
One of the project's most significant milestones was the development and completion of the Ethical Tech Fellows pilot cohort. In June, The Ethical Tech Project concluded the Ethical Tech Fellowship, where early- to midcareer Fellows pitched their ideas for ethically-minded businesses, products, services, and features to a panel of investors and industry experts. The project received an impressive 150 applicants for the pilot Fellowship in less than 10 days, indicating high demand for their programs.
Jennie Baird, who retired as Chief Product Officer of BBC Studios, shared her favourite memory while working for The Ethical Tech Project as the conclusion of the Ethical Tech Fellowship in June. The project is currently grant-funded and is seeking to develop relationships with additional grantmakers to scale its programs quickly.
The Ethical Tech Project also developed the Privacy Stack, a reference architecture for privacy engineering, and the Ethical Tech Curriculum, a 10-module program designed to train tech and AI builders in more ethical practices. The project adapts its curriculum to bring Ethical Tech and AI training to corporations, industry events, and more, differentiating itself by focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical discussions.
The Ethical Tech Project believes in the fundamental right to privacy and aims to give humans insight into how their data is controlled and used by big tech companies. By providing practical tools and education, the project is helping to shift the tech industry's focus from just meeting regulatory requirements to embracing ethical practices that benefit both companies and consumers.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, The Ethical Tech Project is at the forefront, championing the need for ethical practices and data privacy. With its focus on practical tools and education for tech builders, the project is well-positioned to help shape the future of the tech industry and ensure that it serves the needs and rights of all its users.
[1] Source: The Ethical Tech Project's official website and press releases.
Technology plays a crucial role in The Ethical Tech Project's mission to promote transparency and ethical control of user data. The project, supported by practical tools and education for tech builders, is shaping the future of the tech industry by advocating for ethical practices that prioritize both companies and consumers.
The Ethical Tech Project's focus on AI education has expanded beyond data privacy to include safety, misinformation, accessibility, and sustainability, reflecting the evolving needs of the tech industry.
