The Problem
Every day, we interact with technologies that quietly make decisions on our behalf. They are determining what news we see, which job listings appear in our feeds, how much we pay for insurance, whether our loan applications are approved, or even how long we wait for medical care. Algorithms rank university applications, prioritise emergency services, filter immigration cases, and recommend whether someone should be released on bail. These decisions shape our opportunities, freedoms, and even our sense of identity, often without us realising it.
However, many of these systems make biased decisions due to their use of biased historical datasets, the lack of diversity within development teams, or a lack of design intent to calibrate them for equity. Algorithms can be biased against people based on race, gender, age, background, or any intersectional identities. They can silence voices, block content, or deny opportunities without explanation or even visibility.
This is algorithmic violence. Invisible digital algorithm design can unfairly affect our rights, voices, and futures. Introduced by Renan Barzilay, discrimination 3.0 is marked by subtler, systemic inequalities embedded in platforms, algorithms, and customer behaviours. Yet, the people most affected are rarely included in shaping these systems or making the rules.
Who are we?
The Fair Tech Policy Lab is a policy incubator and interdisciplinary think tank focused on addressing the systemic harms caused by technologies.
We create spaces where rigorous academic research meets collaborative action to address algorithmic harm through policymaking, advocacy, and public engagement. Bringing together practitioners, researchers, technologists, and stakeholders, we co-develop urgent policies that advance fair, accountable, and inclusive technology.
Our work is grounded in the belief that high-quality, inclusive policymaking requires collaboration across disciplines and that the design of digital systems must be informed by both expertise and lived experience.
We provide a structured but creative ecosystem for engagement
A research platform for sharing ideas through articles, blogs, op-eds, and interviews.
A network hub that connects our community to transform insights into projects that drive policy change.
Events such as debates, workshops, and seminars that inspire dialogue and deepen understanding.
An accessible learning space that educates the public on an urgent, underrepresented topic.
At every stage, we translate discussion into impact. Our outputs evolve into memos, recommendations, and prototypes aimed at influencing decision-makers and shaping a more just digital future.
Our values
Collaboration over Competition
Participants work across disciplines, backgrounds, and roles to co-create solutions that benefit all.
Equity as a Foundation
We value marginalised voices in our conversations, ensuring that digital governance includes perspectives too often left out.
Action through Insight
Insights can be transformed into action through our network, platform, and opportunities to advance advocacy.
Accessibility and Openness
Whether you’re 14 or 24, new to policy or an experienced student researcher, you are welcome here. We believe every idea has value when shared with purpose and care.
Accountability in Tech
We challenge the myth of neutral technology. From the code behind the systems to the institutions that deploy them, we hold digital actors accountable for harm and exclusion.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, policymaker, technologist, or simply passionate about shaping a fairer digital future, there are many ways to get involved with the Fair Tech Policy Lab:
Join our mailing list
Receive a monthly newsletter with updates on our latest projects, events, and publishing opportunities. It’s the easiest way to stay informed and join the movement.
Submit your work
Share your insights with our community. It could be a research paper, op-ed, interview, podcast, or creative project. We accept submissions on a rolling basis and feature selected pieces on our platform.
Partner with us
If you’re part of an NGO, research group, or community initiative aligned with our mission, we welcome partnership proposals and collaborative ventures.
Collaborate on research or policy projects
We regularly co-develop research and policy proposals with contributors from a range of disciplines. If you have an idea, methodology, or dataset, we’d love to hear from you.
Host an event with us
From panel discussions to interactive workshops, we co-host and co-design events with individuals and institutions committed to digital fairness. We’re always open to new formats and bold ideas.