Standing with the Sewell Principles: A Call for Big Tech Accountability and True Ethical Action

Standing with the Sewell Principles: A Call for Big Tech Accountability and True Ethical Action

Prompted by a respected friend and leader, I am moved to respond to Dr Catriona Wallace 's note on LinkedIn (see comments), which reflects on the devastating consequences of Big Tech’s ethical failings and highlights a powerful call to action. These reflections have weighed heavily on me as well, and the outpouring of support around this article is a testament to the growing consensus: enough is enough. It’s time for each of us to stand up and demand accountability from the technology giants who shape so much of our world.

The Sewell Principles, as presented by Dr. Wallace, are a stirring tribute to the memory of Sewell Setzer—a young life lost as a result of unregulated and unchecked AI. Sewell’s tragic death painfully underscores the urgency of reimagining ethical guardrails for Big Tech. These principles offer a clear and unapologetic stance on the essential safeguards that tech companies must adopt to truly serve humanity. Let this be our call to all leaders, innovators, and policymakers to join hands and push for a responsible, ethical approach to technology.

The Sewell Principles: Building a Framework for Responsible Technology

To Dr. Wallace’s poignant words, I want to add my own endorsement of the Sewell Principles. These eight principles are not just suggestions; they are non-negotiable standards that must define the future of ethical tech development. Each principle challenges Big Tech to be accountable, to respect human life and dignity, and to consider the broader societal and environmental impact of their products. Here’s why each of these principles matters so deeply:

1. Not Kill Children Children are our most vulnerable citizens, and technology must protect, not endanger, them. This principle underscores an urgent need for better safeguards and proactive oversight of technology to ensure the safety and well-being of all users, particularly children.

2. Not Abuse, Extort, or Sextort Children Our digital spaces must be safe. There can be no excuse for the exploitation of children, and tech companies must establish unbreakable protections within their platforms, providing safe, monitored online environments.

3. Not Destroy the Environment As stewards of innovation, Big Tech must also be stewards of the Earth. With immense energy requirements and resource consumption, technology companies have a moral obligation to pursue sustainable operations and reduce their environmental impact.

4. Not Be Close to Nuclear Power Avoiding dependence on or proximity to high-risk energy sources, such as nuclear power, is another necessary safeguard. This principle demands a strategic reassessment of infrastructure to minimize environmental and societal risks.

5. Not Perpetuate Environmental Inequity or Colonialism Big Tech has the power to either exacerbate or alleviate global inequalities. By sourcing materials responsibly, employing equitable business practices, and promoting fair economic growth, technology can be a force for good in underrepresented communities worldwide.

6. Not Produce an Immense Amount of E-Waste E-waste is a rapidly growing crisis. Tech companies need to adopt circular design principles, extend product lifespans, and establish robust recycling initiatives to curb their contributions to this global problem.

7. Include Indigenous People in the Design of Technology Indigenous perspectives bring invaluable insights into sustainability, community welfare, and environmental respect. Including Indigenous voices in tech development fosters a more inclusive approach to problem-solving that respects cultural knowledge and diversity.

8. Not Use AI Algorithms That Make the World Worse AI should not divide us, polarize society, or exploit our vulnerabilities. This principle calls for AI to be developed with transparency and fairness, aiming to empower, not harm, its users.

Applauding the Work of Australia’s E-Safety Commissioner

As we champion these principles, I want to take a moment to recognize the vital work being done by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner , Julie Inman - Grant and her team. Their efforts to protect young people online, enforce standards, and promote digital safety serve as a global example of how responsible tech governance can and should operate. Their commitment to a safer, healthier digital world is nothing short of remarkable, and I urge more countries and organisations to adopt similar frameworks.

Creating a Global Conversation – and Taking Action

This conversation about Big Tech’s ethical responsibilities needs to grow. If we truly want to create change, each of us needs to contribute. Talk about these principles. Share them with friends, colleagues, and decision-makers in your circles. Let’s raise our voices so that every executive, policymaker, and tech developer hears the call for accountability. Because the first step is conversation, but the real impact comes from action.

To dive deeper into these principles and join the movement toward an ethical tech landscape, I invite you to reach out to many of the tagged luminaries below. Alternatively, you can reach me at troy@tech4humanity.com.au. Let’s continue this conversation and, more importantly, explore how we can transform it into tangible change.

In Sewell’s memory and for the safety of all children, it’s time for Big Tech to be held accountable. It’s time to make technology a force for good.

#ai hashtag#responsibleai hashtag#ethicalai hashtag#bigtech Responsible Metaverse Alliance Peter Price AM Ed Husic MP Stela SOLAR Larry Marshall Jeremy Liddle ICMEC Australia Tiberio Caetano Anton van den Hengel Judy Slatyer Jaqui Lane Sarah Klain Edward Zaydelman Sanda Ojiambo Kate Dundas Creel Price Kavya Pearlman ⚠️ Safety First ⚠️ Louis Rosenberg Francisco Lopez Kaitlyn Sawrey Cassandra Sofia Hunter Johnson Paula Conroy Troy Latter Troy Haines Grace Tame Tracey Spicer AM GAICD Adam Spencer Steve Gunther The Guardian Marty McCarthy David Swan John Davidson Julie Inman - Grant Toby Dagg Lorraine Finlay Victor Dominello