Technology and Society Program Ford Foundation

Digital communications technologies have transformed how we connect and engage with the world around us, creating opportunities in every area of contemporary life. But as often as these technologies are used to foster learning and promote justice, they have also been used in ways that amplify inequality. Too many people—particularly those who have historically been excluded or marginalized—aren’t able to access, benefit from, or influence digital platforms. The governance and use of technology are implicated in nearly all the drivers of inequality, underscoring the extent of this problem. We believe in equal access to, and fair regulation of, digital technology that is designed to advance transparency, privacy, access to knowledge, and free expression for all people. As the speed of global technological change and innovation outpaces public understanding and democratic checks—and as technology continues to reshape relationships between citizens, governments, civil society organizations, and corporations—our work focuses on protecting civil and human rights and freedom of expression. To ensure that technology develops to meet the needs of the public, we support the growth of technically sophisticated, diverse organizations dedicated to advancing equitable and more inclusive digital spaces and systems. And we seek to develop the technological capacity of social justice organizations, key to strengthening the impact of their vital work in today’s environment. Our work in Technology and Society International We work to advance more equitable and inclusive technology systems, policies, and norms, and to build the technical expertise of groups in other social justice fields. United States Our work supports a growing field of organizations and networks working to ensure that digital technologies advance equity and justice. We also support the development of a field of public interest technologists who bring a social justice lens to their work. More from Technology and Society 28 March 2019 Lessons from the Table: Civil rights, technology, and privacy A woman uses a smart phone while riding the subway. Photo by Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Image EQUALS CHANGE BLOG 7 February 2019 Why the privacy conversation needs more voices The Dayak people of Setulang use drones to map out their territories and deforestation. Photo Credit: Joel Redman / If Not Us Then Who? EQUALS CHANGE BLOG 18 September 2018 How tech is fueling grassroots organizing in Indonesia Illustration of a payment app EQUALS CHANGE BLOG 8 August 2018 Does this app protect my privacy? Ask Consumer Reports Woman making a decision EQUALS CHANGE BLOG 24 July 2018 Five more orgs ready to invest in #PublicInterestTech (today!) Judges attend Disrupt Hackathon SF 2011 held at the San Francisco Design Center Concourse on September 11, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Photo by Araya Diaz EQUALS CHANGE BLOG 21 March 2018 10 tech trends that will impact social justice in 2018 NEWS 11 March 2019 Higher education, philanthropy and public policy sectors unite in new push to develop public interest technology