Reflecting on Stanford’s Ethics, Technology + Public Policy Program: Insights and Applications

Over the past seven weeks in Stanford’s Ethics, Technology + Public Policy for Practitioners Program, I’ve been fortunate to learn alongside a diverse, dedicated cohort of professionals, supported by Stanford professors, technologists, public officials, civil society leaders, and scholars who facilitated meaningful and intellectually rigorous discussions on ethics, public policy, and technology. This immersive experience has profoundly influenced how I approach my work with the Africa Online Safety Platform (AOSP) Team at Impact Amplifier.

From the outset, course leaders created an environment that encouraged open, honest engagement with complex issues, drawing on the vast expertise of both the instructors and the participants. Professor Rob Reich, Professor Mehran Sahami, and guest speakers such as Joaquin Qui?onero-Candela from Open AI, as well as James Manyika from Google-Alphabet, brought theory and practice together to help us think critically and innovatively about the ethical challenges facing technology and public policy today.

In our first session, Professor Reich led a discussion around Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, prompting us to reflect on the ethical implications of societal happiness built on the suffering of a few. This story became a foundation for exploring moral dilemmas in our work, and Professor Reich’s emphasis on the Socratic method has been invaluable. His encouragement to approach problems with humility, ask questions without predetermined answers, and be open to shifting our views is a practice I aim to integrate into the AOSP’s culture. This philosophical grounding reminds me that in tackling online safety issues, questioning assumptions and valuing diverse perspectives is essential for making ethically robust decisions.

Another powerful takeaway from Professor Reich’s class was the use of “questioning as a philosophical tool” to uncover hidden assumptions. For instance, in AOSP’s mission to enhance online safety, a more nuanced question like “What conditions enable safe, positive online interactions for all?” invites broader, more comprehensive solutions that address root causes rather than merely symptoms. By reframing the questions we ask, we can consider preventive, user-centered, and culturally specific measures in our online safety initiatives.

In our discussions with Professor Mehran Sahami on Algorithmic Decision-Making and Fairness, we explored the ethical complexities of algorithmic systems—issues of fairness, transparency, and accountability that are core to both public trust and technological integrity. Before class, we had the opportunity to use The Ethics Canvas, a tool that helped us map out potential benefits and risks of using algorithms, which was particularly useful as I considered the implications for AOSP. One example we explored was the COMPASS algorithm in criminal justice, which, despite its objective design, exhibited biases that affected critical decisions like bail eligibility. This case study showed the risks of unintentional bias in algorithms, especially when training data lacks diversity.

Fairness in algorithms emerged as an especially challenging area, where political and philosophical tensions often stall progress. Joaquin Qui?onero-Candela, who has both practical and policy expertise, illuminated the dilemma of choosing between equality of treatment (treating everyone the same) versus equality of outcomes (ensuring equitable results). AOSP’s approach to fairness could benefit from adopting a tailored framework that addresses both types of equality and integrates input from local stakeholders.

In this class, we also addressed transparency and due process within algorithmic systems. Algorithms can lack traditional avenues for appealing decisions, raising significant concerns around accountability. This prompted me to consider how AOSP might advocate for transparency protocols that help users understand how decisions are made. This transparency is not only a matter of technical compliance but essential for building public trust in digital safety initiatives.

Another core lesson from these the first session discussions is the idea of “moral caffeination”—remaining aware of ethical tensions and resisting easy or convenient solutions that compromise ethical standards. This concept is particularly relevant to the work we do, where efficiency in response must not come at the cost of user privacy, agency, or nuanced community needs. To embed this awareness in AOSP’s work, I’m considering integrating structured ethical reflection points into our workflow, enabling our team to pause and evaluate the moral trade-offs inherent in our decisions.

In the final weeks, the course shifted focus to Generative AI and the Future of Work with Professor Sahami and James Manyika, exploring how AI will impact the job market and society. With Prof. Sahami’s insights into policy and global development, we examined a Goldman Sachs study estimating that AI might impact up to 300 million jobs globally. This potential shift raises profound ethical questions about worker displacement and the future of human flourishing. Rather than solely viewing AI as a source of disruption, Prof. Sahami emphasized its potential to create new job sectors and opportunities, especially in knowledge-intensive fields. This perspective encourages me to view AOSP as not only a safety platform but also as a potential incubator for digital skills development in Africa, helping communities adapt to and benefit from the changes AI brings.

This discussion was particularly enlightening on how the effects of automation are no longer confined to manufacturing but now include knowledge work, with up to 44% of legal tasks and 37% of architecture and engineering tasks potentially impacted by automation. Recognizing this shift encourages AOSP to adopt a proactive approach to workforce readiness and digital literacy, advocating for policies that support both job preservation and reskilling efforts in Africa.

One profound statement that Prof. Sahami made was that when asked, Is AI going to replace my job or replace me?? He answered? that AI isn’t going to replace your job, but rather someone else who uses AI might replace you in your role.

Narrative Building and Authoring New Futures was another enlightening session that showed the importance of shaping public perception around technology. Building a strong public narrative that highlights ethical considerations and responsible AI use is crucial for AOSP’s mission. By developing this narrative, we can foster a sense of collective responsibility and inspire action among policymakers, tech leaders, and communities to work towards a safer online environment.

Reflecting on the program, I am committed to integrating these concepts into my work at AOSP:

1. Promote Socratic Dialogue: I plan to facilitate regular discussions within the AOSP team that address fundamental ethical questions, encouraging diverse views and critical thinking.
2. Enhance Moral Awareness: By embedding “moral caffeination” into each project phase, we can keep user privacy, community-specific needs, and ethical nuances front and center.
3. Engage with Complexity: I will encourage the team to question assumptions and address both equality of treatment and equality of outcomes in our algorithmic work.
4. Foster Ethical Courage: Developing clear, open feedback channels will allow the team to voice ethical concerns safely, promoting a culture of integrity and proactive responsibility.
5. Advocate for Systemic Change: Rather than just mitigating risks, we will aim to transform online safety governance by advocating for transparency, fairness, and accountability within algorithmic systems and by advancing public discourse on these issues.

By internalizing these principles, I am confident that our team can elevate online safety standards in Africa, helping shape a future where digital spaces are both safe and ethically aligned with community values. This Stanford course has been an invaluable experience, and I am grateful to the professors, my cohort, and the many guest speakers who generously shared their insights, guiding us to approach these challenges with intentionality, courage, and a steadfast commitment to public good.

I had the profound honor of being part of a remarkable cohort alongside incredible minds like Bisola Alabi , Carlos Centeno , Mohammed Alaa Ghanem , Angeline Lee ,? Sabrina Lin , Jami Rutherford under the thoughtful leadership of Sabrina Mohamed . Our cohort sessions were a true highlight of the class, providing a rich space for exchanging ideas and insights drawn from our diverse experiences across sectors and organizations.?

My heartfelt thank you to Megan Goering Mellin , Caroline Ricksen, Ashlyn Jaeger? and Dorothy Chang for their exceptional effort in hosting and curating such an impactful course. Your dedication made this journey both enlightening and transformative.