[ONLINE] - Charting the Future of Big Tech Accountability

Big Tech accountability has come a long way since Ranking Digital Rights’ inaugural report in 2015. More than ever, the companies we rank make explicit commitments to human rights, disclose how they handle government demands, and clearly describe their security measures. But the 2022 Big Tech Scorecard shows that there’s still a long way to go—and a lot we don’t know.

Companies aren't telling us enough about how they develop and deploy algorithms, enforce their rules on targeted advertising, or what their protocols are for disclosing data breaches, among other indicators we monitor. Meanwhile, recent whistleblower disclosures have helped fill the gaps and affirmed what we and other civil society groups have long argued: despite the best efforts of many working-level employees, Big Tech executives refuse to do what is necessary to protect people and societies from the harmful impact of their products and services.

With new legislation looming in Europe and the U.S., a boom in ESG shareholder resolutions targeting human rights harms, and a public that’s tired of being tracked, the next chapter of Big Tech accountability is unfolding fast.

Following the launch of the 2022 Big Tech Scorecard on April 27, a panel of experts and advocates will join Ranking Digital Rights to chart our movement’s next steps. Together we will take stock of the legislative and regulatory state of play, explore the limits of companies’ “Trust and Safety” programs, and consider new approaches to  advocacy. 

Mark your calendars now, and join us on May 4 as we set the stage for what’s to come.

Speakers:

Jessica Dheere, @jessdheere
Director, Ranking Digital Rights

Sarah Couturier-Tanoh, @share_ca
Corporate Engagement & Advocacy Manager, SHARE

Jesse Lehrich, @JesseLehrich
Co-Founder, Accountable Tech

Chris Lewis, @ChrisJ_Lewis
President & CEO, Public Knowledge

Katarzyna Szymielewicz, @szymielewicz
President, Panoptykon Foundation

Sophie Zhang, @szhang_ds
Facebook whistleblower

Moderator:

Nathalie Maréchal, @MarechalPhD
Policy Director, Ranking Digital Rights

Support Ranking Digital Rights!

If you're reading this, you probably know all too well how tech companies wield unprecedented power in the digital age. RDR helps hold them accountable for their obligations to protect and respect their users’ rights.

As a nonprofit initiative that receives no corporate funding, we need your support. Do your part to help keep tech power in check and make a donation. Thank you!

Support Us