The Safety by Design ecosystem

To ensure that online harms are reduced through the effective implementation of Safety by Design, it is important to consider the wider technology ecosystem.

Applying a Safety by Design approach is useful for anyone learning about online product and service design and development, as well as financial entities and investors who are engrained in developing the technology sector.

Evolving technologies

As we hurtle towards the new digital frontiers of the metaverse, immersive technology, and a decentralised Web 3.0 world built on the blockchain, to ensure that online harms are reduced through the effective implementation of Safety by Design, it is important to consider the wider technology ecosystem.

Applying a Safety by Design approach is useful for anyone learning about online product and service design and development, as well as financial entities and investors who are engrained in developing the technology sector, we can draw on Safety by Design as an iterative initiative which lays clear and tested foundations for safer user experiences.

The three overarching principles of Safety by Design – service provider responsibility, user empowerment and autonomy, and transparency and accountability – are applicable to platforms and services across the digital ecosystem. This provides the foundation for individuals/companies to make sure safety remains at the forefront of design and development of new and emerging technologies.

Principle 1: Service Provider Responsibility The burden of user safety is a shared responsibility and should never fall solely on the user. Providers should ensure online harms are understood, assessed and addressed in the design and provision of products and services.

Principle 2: User Empowerment and Autonomy The dignity and safety of users is of central importance. Products and services should align with the best interests of users, providing them with the tools they need to protect their own safety and privacy.

Principle 3: Transparency and Accountability Transparency and accountability are hallmarks of a robust approach to safety. They provide assurances that services are operating according to their published safety objectives. They also educate and empower users to address safety concerns.