As part of modelling our values and the more ethical tech choices we know are needed for a liberatory tech future, we want to make sure our own decisions are informed by an ethics due diligence review of all tech software and tech company practices. We will make decisions on which software/companies to use, and which to avoid, by considering their ethics alongside cost, usability and alignment with our needs.
We will refine the categories and methods of research over time, in collaboration with others across the network. But as a starter for ten, we will look at five dimensions of ethics that build on the core components of Ethical Consumer’s Ethiscore rating system (note more recent addition of conflict-free):
Look for any sustainability or environmental reports published by each company - though this is often non-existent for tech platforms. Companies focused on reducing their environmental impact sometimes share their policies/initiatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using renewable energy sources, and minimising waste. Though also be mindful of greenwash.
Check if the company has any information on their labour practices, e.g. ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and respecting workers' rights to unionise. Sometimes this info can be found in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports or on their careers page. Check for bad PR stories and reports on Glassdoor, as they help reveal what it's really like to work somewhere behind the scenes!
Typically, tech platforms may not have direct ties to animal welfare issues unless they are part of wider umbrella companies or engage in partnerships or sponsorships that relate to animals. We can still check for any company statements on corporate responsibility that might cover broader ethical considerations.
Look for transparency in their financial dealings, particularly whether they publish detailed financial reports or statements on tax payments. Ethical companies often demonstrate a commitment to fair tax practices (e.g. the Fair Tax Mark) and contribute economically to the countries they operate in. Conversely, there are often press stories about companies trying to get away with tax evasion.
The company's ethos can be evaluated based on its mission statement, values, and ethics outlined on their website. Look for commitments to community, diversity, equity (e.g. reporting a gender/race pay gap; a statement on anti-oppressive practice) and ethical business practices (e.g. bCorp certification, fair trade mark etc.).
The company or its tools should not directly or indirectly support wars on Palestinians, Congolese, Sudanese, Uyghur Muslims or other oppressed, minoritised or underserved groups. We can check all organisations against Boycott lists including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) list and Ethical Consumer’s boycotts page.