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Code & Conscience

by Erica Stanley

This is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it.

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A blurred scene of digital international relations represented by a world map with red-orange and turquoise blue lights on a dark background
Featured Post

The Uncanny Valley of AI Foreign Policy

Code & Conscience #021 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue In this issue, I talk about how AI is now influencing foreign policy. From the public fallout between Anthropic and the U.S. Government, to Israel using AI to identify 37,000 targets in Gaza, to data centers becoming important non-human targets in the global power struggle. I also share practical ways technologists can navigate the unique challenges AI brings. The Uncanny Valley of AI Foreign Policy By Alex on Adobe Stock If...

2 days ago • 6 min read
The U.S. Capitol Enclosed in a Futuristic Glass Dome with technological lights reflected on a dark background– Symbolizing Government Isolation, Digital Surveillance, Cybersecurity, and the Technological Shielding of Political Power

Code & Conscience #020 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Technofascism is reshaping tech! Billionaires, tech leaders, and right-wing politicians are all coming together to push their ideologies and change the world. Since we're celebrating Black History Month in the U.S., we are looking at what this means for Black communities and what Black history can teach all of us about resisting power that oppresses. Decoding Technofascism By Rafaqat Batool on Adobe Stock At its simplest,...

about 1 month ago • 4 min read
An image of a bitten apple reflected in a mirror showing the side that wasn't eaten by Ronstik on Adobe Stock.

Code & Conscience #019 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue AI does a lot of incredible things, but some of the ways it’s being used right now are hurting people, and maybe it's not accidental. In this issue, I look at how repeated generative AI harms suggest intention, why regulation hasn’t caught up, and what frameworks can help us prevent these harms going forward. Are Common GenAI Harms Intentional? By Ronstik on Adobe Stock It’s not new that technology always finds a way to harm...

about 2 months ago • 4 min read
An image of a compass pointing to the text "Better World" by Olivier Le Moal on Adobe stock.

Code & Conscience #018 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I’m so excited to wrap up this three-part series! As many of you know, I've been wrestling with how to build tech products that people genuinely love without accidentally setting the world on fire. That wrestling match turned into my upcoming book! This newsletter series is our third in-depth exploration of the ideas inside. And my book is an attempt to give the practical guide I wish I had: one that connects Tech Strategy...

3 months ago • 4 min read
An illustration of large light bulb surrounded by many connected gears of varying sizes

Code & Conscience #017 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I’m so excited to continue this three-part series! As many of you know, I've been wrestling with how to build tech products that people genuinely love without accidentally setting the world on fire. That wrestling match turned into my upcoming book! This newsletter is our second in-depth exploration of the ideas inside. And my book is an attempt to give the practical guide I wish I had: one that connects Tech Strategy (what...

3 months ago • 4 min read
A cartoon-like sketch of hands on laptops and different charts by CACTUS Creative Studio/Stocksy on Adobe Stock

Code & Conscience #016 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Short-term thinking in tech is creating massive "Societal Debt." This issue shows why leaving the old playbook behind for an ethical approach to tech strategy is the only way to build tech that lasts and drives durable value instead of risk. How Tech Strategy Can Help Dig Us Out of The 'Societal Debt' Trap By CACTUS Creative Studio/Stocksy on Adobe Stock I’m so excited to kick off this new three-part series! As many of you...

4 months ago • 4 min read
An image of a signpost pointing in different directions by MAY on Adobe Stock

Code & Conscience #015 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I share my honest opinion on why I believe the tech ecosystem and its leaders are experiencing a midlife crisis. Tech's Midlife Crisis By MAY on Adobe Stock Like any ambitious person, I like to set goals. Big goals that stretch me and force me to become the best version of myself. But once I achieve the goal, the excitement starts to wear off. The euphoria of success is suddenly dampened by thoughts of doubt, meltdowns, and...

4 months ago • 4 min read
An illustration of a futuristic utopian, eco-friendly metropolis

Code & Conscience #014 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Is it possible to keep developing AI without harming the environment and society? I think it is and I share how. Keep reading! All the AI, None of the Dystopia? A futuristic, eco-friendly utopia by Tyres on Adobe Stock Change is the only constant in life, but it’s hard. It requires discomfort, a shift from the norm, and a battle with resistance. At the start of the year, you probably vowed to change your sedentary lifestyle....

5 months ago • 4 min read
A shattered iPhone is held up against a blurry backdrop of a fast moving city

Code & Conscience #013 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Tech moves very fast, especially with AI running the show! But should we trade speed for caution? Is the "Move fast and break things" philosophy still relevant? Or should we reflect on it? Move Fast and Break...Society? Credit: Xinfang on Adobe Stock "Move fast and break things". We've all heard this tech philosophy that prioritizes rapid development and deployment over cautious, deliberate innovation. The idea was to get a...

5 months ago • 3 min read
Star Wars Storm Troopers preparing for battle

Code & Conscience #012 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I discuss the scary advent of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), basically self driving weapons and how tech companies are "supporting" war. Unpacking Tech's Role in Modern Warfare Credit: Pexels War is never fun. It’s difficult, gut-wrenching, and life-threatening. It’s sad to see the number of wars currently happening in the world. But as a tech leader, it’s even sadder to see the role tech is playing in this chaos....

6 months ago • 3 min read