Of course, technology has improved our lives in many ways, but it has also presented new challenges and risks. Because technological progress almost always outpaces societal regulation, we at Canyon Clan ask ourselves how we can ensure that technology works for the benefit of everyone, not just a few.
This is why ethical technology is important. Ethical technology isn't just about what's technically possible, but also about what's morally right. With ethical technology, we put people first and promote the well-being of both individuals and society at large.
What is ethical technology?
Ethical technology focuses on the development and use of technologies that are fair, safe, and transparent. The goal is to have a positive impact on people and society, without causing harm. Building ethical technology means:
- Respecting privacy
- Avoiding discrimination
- Strengthening human values
- Making informed choices about the impact that technology has
Why is ethical technology important?
Users are increasingly less confident in tools that collect their data and thus influence their behavior. Ethical technology builds trust by giving users control over their data and transparent to be aware of how this data is used.
By developing technology ethically, we ensure that solutions are accessible and fair to everyone, regardless of users' background or circumstances. Inclusivity is central to this.
In addition, many technologies have a negative impact on our planet. Data centers are often too energy-intensive, and the amount of e-waste is far from acceptable. With ethical technology, we therefore focus on minimizing the ecological footprint and maximizing social benefits.
By committing to ethical technology, we not only build short-term profits, but also create long-term valueThis strategy only strengthens our reputation and customer loyalty, and it is the most important pillar of our corporate social responsibility.
Examples of unethical technologies that put profits over people
But enough of the vague talk. Let's discuss in detail which technologies are primarily focused on profit maximization, often at the expense of people and society. Spoiler alert: there's another way!
Some of the most harmful practices are:
Data exploitation
Many companies collect huge amounts of user data without explicit permission or with complex conditions That are difficult for the average user to understand. Consider social media platforms that sell personal data to advertisers or other third parties without the user's knowledge. Practices like these represent an invasion of privacy due to a lack of control over personal information.
Algorithmic discrimination
AI is increasingly being used to make important decisions, from assessing creditworthiness to hiring. When such models are trained on flawed or biased data, discriminatory outcomes can occur. There are several known cases where AI systems have disadvantaged minority groups, for example, in job applications or financial services. (Sources: https://www.propublica.org/article/machine-bias-risk-assessments-in-criminal-sentencing, https://www.propublica.org/article/how-we-analyzed-the-compas-recidivism-algorithm, https://www.propublica.org/article/bias-in-criminal-risk-scores-is-mathematically-inevitable-researchers-say)
Addictive platforms
Platforms like social media and (mobile) games are deliberately designed to retain users for as long as possible. These technologies use psychological tricks to foster addiction, often leading to negative consequences for users' mental well-being. Young people are particularly vulnerable to this.
Environmentally unfriendly technologies
Far too many tech companies ignore the environmental impact of their products. For example, the production of smartphones, computers, and other electronics generates a huge amount of e-waste. Moreover, many data centers, which are needed for cloud storage and online services, consume large amounts of energy, as mentioned, but without investing in sustainable energy sources.
How Canyon Clan is investing in ethical technology
At Canyon Clan, we recognize our responsibility as a tech company and are actively committed to developing ethical technology.
We do this in these 5 ways:
1. From the very first moment we design a product, privacy is paramount. This means privacy by designWe strictly adhere to regulations such as the GDPR and ensure that users always have control over their own data. Transparency A core value here is that users know what happens to their data and can easily manage or delete it. We can certainly monetize user data, but we are clear about this with our users.
2. We strive to ensure that our software is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or technical skills. This means we not only focus on user-friendly interfaces, but also consider diverse user groups, such as people with disabilities. Inclusivity and accessibility are therefore key words in our user experience design.
3. At Canyon Clan, we communicate openly and honestly with our clients. We explain our processes and technologies in an understandable way, without hidden costs or agendas. Our clients always know what to expect, which builds trust. This way, our clients can also effortlessly transparency and fairness are to their end users.
4. We minimize the environmental impact of our technology by choosing green cloud solutions and energy-efficient software architectures. We also promote circular IT solutions, such as reusing hardware and extending the lifespan of electronic devices. By improving efficiency, we reduce our customers' ecological footprint. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable world with environmentally friendly technologies.
5. We are aware of the risks of (smart) algorithms and ensure that our calculations are fair and impartial. Algorithmic ethics This applies when we digitize complex tasks. In such cases, we work with diverse and representative datasets. We can guarantee this by regularly reviewing the output of our systems to prevent discrimination and bias. AI at Canyon Clan is therefore simply a tool for achieving positive and fair results.
In summary
Technology increasingly influences our daily lives. That's why we believe companies must take responsibility for their impact. At Canyon Clan, we believe technology can be a positive addition to our lives. It's important that technology adheres to ethical values and therefore pays attention to the human element. This is how we build solutions that not only help our clients (companies) progress but also contribute to a better, fairer world.