Blueprint on Prosocial Tech Design Governance

This report outlines actionable recommendations for various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, researchers, and industry, aimed at designing digital platforms that minimize harm and enhance societal benefits. It addresses the ongoing crisis caused by digital platforms, which are linked to misinformation, mental health issues, privacy erosion, and the concentration of unaccountable power. The report emphasizes that platform design significantly influences user behavior, often enabling harmful content through design choices that prioritize profit over societal well-being. The proposed framework for prosocial tech design governance focuses on regulating digital platforms based on their design choices and their societal impacts. It advocates for a systems approach that addresses the root causes of digital harms rather than merely treating symptoms. The report is structured into three main sections, each containing specific recommendations to advance prosocial design, support independent research, and shift market forces towards prosocial innovation.