Using research recommendations, we drafted legislation that incentivizes large technology companies to incorporate design principles into technology products and services that prioritize the well-being of people.
This act requires organizations to annually demonstrate digital well-being principles in designing and delivering technology services OR a damage award will be imposed. Technology organizations and companies operating in Colorado would then have a clear incentive to adopt digital well-being principles to prevent and minimize technological harm to Coloradans. This regulatory model is similar to how tobacco, marijuana, and gambling companies are required to offset the negative societal impacts of their products and services. This approach focuses on the technology design used by companies rather than the content posted.
Revenue raised from penalties would fund:
- social services that prevent, educate, and mitigate technological harms, including:
- public school wellness programs and mental health services for anxiety, depression, and other common psychological effects of exploitative technology
- community-based organizations supporting youth services, digital education campaigns, victim assistance, and mental health services
- research on digital harms
- governmental services that prevent, educate, and mitigate technological harms, including:
- state-wide efforts through the Department of Public Safety
- local efforts through local governments
- low-income families through the Department of Human Services
- grants supporting small Colorado businesses and technology innovation through the Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- the Attorney General's Office, to enforce the legislation
This legislation would have the following impact:
- Colorado youth would receive mental health, school, and social services that prevent, educate,
- and mitigate digital harms.
- Colorado taxpayers, families, and communities would no longer be paying as much for the negative consequences of these digital services and would have legal recourse.
- Colorado small businesses would have access to grants funding healthy technology innovation.
Contact us to learn more about the bill.