In her new book, Better Tech, Francine Berman argues technology must be treated as critical infrastructure with deliberate design and governance centered on public interest to mitigate widespread societal risks.
- Technology should be designed with public interest from the start.
- Local initiatives illustrate impactful public interest technology in action.
- Current US regulatory frameworks fall short in managing technology risks.
What happened
Francine Berman, a renowned data scientist and public interest technology leader, released her book Better Tech that addresses the pressing need to rethink how technology is developed and governed. Her work highlights the growing concerns around the negative societal effects of technology including social media impacts on health, environmental costs of data centres, and challenges posed by AI.
The book advocates for turning technological anxieties into civic engagement and actionable change, arguing that public interest considerations must be integrated throughout design and policy processes. Berman draws from her extensive experience spearheading public interest technology programs and showcases real-world examples where thoughtful tech interventions have improved community outcomes.
Why it matters
Berman’s argument elevates digital technologies to the level of critical infrastructure, deserving serious investment, scrutiny, and governance akin to utilities like electricity and transportation. This perspective is important as current regulatory approaches in the US and globally largely fail to protect users or society from harms such as corporate surveillance, data exploitation, and platform-enabled abuses.
By emphasizing public interest technology, Berman challenges technologists, policymakers, and citizens to prioritize societal benefit over commercial profit. Her examples—from Oakland’s efforts to bridge the digital divide during COVID to California’s SNAP application assistance via technology—demonstrate the tangible benefits possible when technology serves the public good.
What to watch next
Observers should look for increased engagement around public interest technology initiatives at local, state, and federal levels. This includes monitoring how regulatory frameworks adapt or fail to address data privacy, AI governance, and the societal impacts of digital platforms. Innovations in civic tech and grassroots organizing efforts inspired by models Berman highlights will be key signals.
Additionally, the ongoing conversation about technology’s role as critical infrastructure may influence funding priorities, educational programs in public interest tech, and policy reforms. Berman’s book is expected to serve as a rallying call for tech professionals, regulators, and the public to advocate for more accountable, equitable, and transparent technology ecosystems.