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By Amelia Granger | GENEVA – 2025/06/04 17:41:08
The internet’s current design often undermines democracy, but a more supportive digital world is within reach. A new report offers solutions to this problem.
In 2025, digital platforms have become modern public squares, but instead of promoting democracy, many are designed for manipulation and profit.The Council on Technology and Social Cohesion’s “blueprint on Prosocial Tech Design Governance” provides a thorough response to this issue.
Digital harms are not accidental; they result from intentional choices in platform construction and monetization. Features like infinite scroll and addictive recommendation systems prioritize engagement over truth, leading to mental health erosion, polarization, disinformation, and concentrated corporate power.
Tech companies often blame users for harmful content, avoiding their obligation in platform design.The “Blueprint” shifts focus from content moderation to platform design itself.
According to the report, no technology has a neutral design. Companies decide what a platform allows, prevents, and encourages users to do online.
Prosocial Tech: Building Codes for the Internet
The report introduces a tiered certification system for prosocial tech, similar to building codes in architecture. This system includes five levels, from basic safety standards to fully participatory platforms. This aims to address the core issues of harmful tech designs.
Tier 1 establishes essential protections like Safety by Design and Privacy by Design, giving users control over their data and manipulative features. Tier 2 enhances user experience with empathy-oriented reaction buttons and prompts to encourage reflection before sharing.
Platforms should not be allowed to profit from harm while hiding behind the myth of neutrality.
Tier 3 replaces engagement-maximizing algorithms with prosocial algorithms that highlight common ground and diverse ideas. Tier 4 introduces civic tech and platforms for democratic engagement,while Tier 5 promotes data sovereignty
