This Machine ____s Fascists (fill in the blank)

Around the world and at home, democracy is in decline and authoritarianism is on the rise. Technology is smack dab at the center of this authoritarian movement: both in terms of how it spreads, and in terms of the damage it can do. Unfortunately, as designers, builders, managers, and funders of technology, we cannot look away.

What actions can we, the creators and stewards of technology, take to protect democracy and human rights? What power do we have when our own spheres of influence feel small? What harms are preventable? What harms are not obvious? What choices do we have? What kinds of action can we take?

When presented with an ethical dilemma, how will you fill in that blank?

This session will offer some prompts, historical examples, and frameworks for thinking about these questions. Let’s discuss and see what we come up with.

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