COVID-19

To study epidemics is to understand a society’s structure, standards of living, and political priorities.
― Frank Snowden, Yale Historian

COVID-19 demonstrates the power of technology platforms to give three billion people the right information and to enable coordinated actions in the face of a life-and-death, globally connected threat. For the first time, technology companies took on a direct public responsibility, designing and curating life-saving information while presenting targeted actions to flatten the curve.

Beyond COVID-19 looms long-standing and chronic societal challenges such as climate change and inequality. It’s imperative that as we address this pandemic, we also envision and build societal infrastructures that will enable us to address these other threats.

Here you will find CHT’s key COVID-19 resources as well as other helpful articles.

Articles & Resources

Principles for Humane Technology

Published by Center for Humane Techology

Digital Well-Being Guidelines for Parents

Published by Center for Humane Techology

Technology Platforms Must Operate for the Public Good

Milken Institute’s Power of Ideas oped, Tristan Harris

This Is Silicon Valley’s Chance to Step Up for Humanity

Wired oped, Tristan Harris

From Inform to Persuade: How Can Tech Step Up for Humanity?

Medium oped, Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin

In a Pandemic Tech Platforms Need to Think Like Newsrooms

Medium oped, David Jay

Podcasts Episodes

Your Undivided Attention is CHT’s podcast series covering an array of issues, including tech policy and tech impact on elections. Hosted by Tristan Harris, President and co-founder of CHT and his fellow co-founder Aza Raskin.

AGI Beyond the Buzz: What Is It, and Are We Ready?

What does it mean to ‘feel the AGI?’ In this episode, Aza and Randy unpack why debates on intelligence distract us from urgently needed conversations about governance, incentives, and readiness—before the AGI wave crashes ashore.

April 30, 2025

Rethinking School in the Age of AI

AI has upended school as we know it. In this episode, Daniel and Tristan talk with Maryanne Wolf and Rebecca Winthrop about how tech has broken the old model of education—and how we might build something better.

April 21, 2025

Forever Chemicals, Forever Consequences: What PFAS Teaches Us About AI

AI could unlock vast technological potential—if we do it right. Rob Bilott, who fought chemical giants over toxic PFAS, shares a cautionary tale: how the harms of new tech can go unchecked, and why we must align innovation with safety before it’s too late.

April 3, 2025

External Resources

13 Things Tech Companies Can Do to Fight Coronavirus

An open letter from technologists, epidemiologists & medical professionals

The Pandemic is a Portal

The Financial Times, Arundhati Roy

Coronavirus is Not Just a Tragedy. It’s an Opportunity to Build a Better World

Vox, Roge Karma

Screen New Deal

The Intercept, Naomi Klein

We are Not Going Back to Normal

MIT Technology Review,  Gideon Lichfield