An ICTC Study
Responsible Innovation in Canada and Beyond
Understanding and Improving the Social Impacts of Technology
Published by ICTC, January 2021
All of us interact with technology on a daily basis, and, intentionally or unintentionally, make small choices pertaining to technology’s ethical and safe use. When we download a new app and decide whether or not to enable location services, set up two-factor authentication on a new service, and consider taking a carbon-free transportation alternative to our destination, we are working to improve the social impacts of technology. Along with our own decisions as users, myriad other stakeholders — including designers, developers, policymakers, and investors — also impact the technologies they contribute to or regulate. Accordingly, while many small, everyday decisions can improve technologies’ social impact, on a broader level, it may seem difficult, overwhelming, or too complex to try to turn the tide of technology’s impact on privacy rights, our climate and environment, or human behaviour.
While there are many highly specific guidelines, calls to action, and standards for improving particular technologies or practices, the field of ethical technology in Canada lacks a synthesis aimed at all parties, including the general public and the private and public sectors. Considering a vast array of technologies and topics (including artificial intelligence (AI), open data, labour and automation, and climate and environment) this paper identifies individuals and organizations working at the intersection of technology and social outcomes. Drawing from a series of in-depth interviews, it synthesizes shared considerations, challenges, frameworks, and best practices for improving the social impact of technology from a wide variety of perspectives.
Researched and written by Trevor Quan (Senior Research Analyst), Faun Rice (Senior Research and Policy Analyst), and Mairead Matthews (Research and Policy Analyst), with generous support from Khiran O’Neill (Research and Policy Analyst), Alexandra Cutean (Senior Director, Research and Policy), Rob Davidson (Director, Data Analytics), and the Digital Think Tank by ICTC team.
Designed by Ray Brand.
For in-depth insights into the digital economy and the policies that shape it, follow the Digital Think Tank by ICTC on Medium and sign up for our email briefing.
