i get asked all the time
what exactly is ethical tech?

its not simple to answer
and its definition changes & evolves
as each day passes

but i usually start with saying
it’s the ethical alternative to big tech

those handful of tech giants
monopolistic by nature
wielding immense power
control and influence over our digital lives

amassing obscene levels of wealth
at the cost of our privacy our human rights
with utter disregard for
climate or social justice

thats already a lot to take in

but for me it goes beyond just
breaking away from these fiefdoms

ethical tech is not just the opposite of big tech
small tech companies can be just as unethical
just as harmful

because it’s not really about the tech

technology is just the toolset
neither good nor bad
what matters is intent

i ask how it is used?
who does it serve?
knowing the real intent
reveals true purpose

every app, every platform, every service
promises to make life easier
better, faster, simpler

i ask
what does the company behind it really want?
can i trust them?
do their values align with mine?
do they respect me & my rights?
and also the rights of the marginalized?

that’s the essence of ethical tech for me

it’s a movement to reclaim control
protect our privacy & rights
but also to defend those who cannot defend themselves
to build a future where tech serves society fairly

open source, open standards
interoperability
privacy by design
these are crucial foundations
but they’re not enough

a tech company can check every box
yet still have its sights only on profit
still chase scale, disruption, acquisition
still cut corners for personal gain
still answer only to investors or its elite founders
not to the people, the general public
or the communities it claims to serve

so i ask more
what is the business model?
who owns it?
who funds it?
what is the end game?

is it built to sustain?
or just to sell & scale
purely for profit

ethical tech is a form of resistance
built from the courage of a collective few
that dare to defy the norm when needed
and support and protect
who the powerful seek to harm

for me
more and more
it’s a movement rooted in justice
aimed to uphold the values and ideals
we hold dear

the tech is secondary really

but not all people in this space share the same view or intent

this is why i’m drawn towards
collectives, cooperatives
community-driven initiatives

seeking ways of working
and operating models that resist the industry mainstream
and put people and purpose truly first

if you feel the same
if you seek the same
reach out
let me know