ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
The Icelandic Association for Humane Technology advocates for technology design, development, and use that aligns with the fundamental interests of individuals, nature, and society. We welcome the development of new technologies but demand that long-term welfare, rather than short-term profit, guides this development, and that private interests yield to general well-being and health.
We prioritize mental and physical health and emphasize minimizing harm. This includes ensuring that technology is developed and used in ways that support user well-being. We encourage the development and use of solutions that are not dependent on advertising, maximizing user attention, and collecting user data for profit. We advocate for regulations that limit exposure to harmful digital content, such as addictive design, misinformation, and cyberbullying. We aim to educate the public about the impact of technology on mental health and raise awareness about technology that has negative effects.
We promote healthy and fair information systems by creating a digital environment where information is reliable, accessible, and equitable. We support initiatives that combat misinformation, facilitate tracing the origin of information, and increase digital literacy. Additionally, we demand transparency in algorithms that collect and distribute information, and we work with media and technology companies to ensure fair presentation and access to information for all segments of society. We encourage democratic processes to govern our shared information spaces, rather than allowing profit-driven entities to set the rules for how we share information.
Respecting users' right to privacy and adhering to ethical standards in technology is key for us. We develop and promote principles of privacy by design and encourage strict data protection rules and responsible data usage practices. We emphasize educating users about their privacy rights and how they can protect their personal information.
We focus on reducing long-term risks from harmful technology and protecting future generations from its negative impacts. We advocate for precautions and regulations regarding technologies that could cause lasting harm, such as artificial intelligence, endless recommendation systems, and genetic engineering. We participate in public discourse on the ethical implications of future technology to ensure the protection of generations to come.
We examine the impact of technology on nature and the environment and promote environmentally friendly technological development. We recognize that the effects of inhumane technology also extend to the animal and plant kingdoms. Therefore, we support environmentally friendly technology practices and the use of renewable resources, encourage reducing electronic waste through recycling and sustainable design, and support technology that addresses environmental challenges, such as climate change and loss of biodiversity.
We promote participation, justice, and equality for all by working to bridge the digital divide and ensure access to technology for disadvantaged individuals. We encourage inclusive design that takes into account the needs of all users, including those with disabilities, and support policies and practices that ensure fair participation in the digital economy.
We support transparent democratic processes and access to data by encouraging open government data and emphasizing the use of technology to increase civic participation. We support the development of technological solutions that increase transparency in administrative and decision-making processes and discuss the use of multifaceted technology to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
We support creative expression and freedom of identity through technology. We encourage policy development that protects freedom of speech and expression online and support platforms and technological innovations that enable the expression of creativity and sharing of diverse cultural perspectives. We work against censorship and support the right of individuals to express their identity freely in digital spaces. We recognize the tendency for echo chambers to form in digital spaces and work to maximize diversity rather than promoting polarization.