Chapter 1: Raising Ethical Concerns in Tech

Have you ever faced a moment where ethical issues arose during your coding journey? I often pose this challenging question to technical leaders:

"Have there been instances where ethical concerns were voiced? If so, how were they addressed? If not, does that imply there haven't been any?"

This inquiry, inspired by Julia Evans, sheds light on the organizational culture and the integrity of technical leaders.

From my experience asking this question across various organizations, one key insight is that raising ethical concerns is often quite challenging. However, most leaders are open to hearing them.

As software engineers, our role transcends mere technical execution. We are tasked with creating software that significantly impacts society, which means we carry an ethical responsibility in our product development process. This article aims to instill a habit of ethical awareness in coding.

Recognizing Ethical Dilemmas

How can one identify when something feels off? How should concerns be articulated?

Consider the ethical quandary shared by a VP of Engineering at a carbon credit company:

"If we report too much, we're deceiving the environment. If we report too little, we're deceiving the landowners."

This organization plays a crucial role in verifying carbon credits. Over-reporting can lead to greenwashing, while under-reporting can deprive landowners of rightful income. Carbon credits serve as incentives for environmental initiatives like reforestation and soil carbon sequestration. The stakes are high, prompting the establishment of a committee to refine their credit calculation methodology. However, in the initial stages of any issue, it's often up to individuals to navigate these ethical waters.

Navigating Disagreements

At some point in your career, you may be asked to participate in something that you fundamentally oppose.

This is where the true challenge arises. Sometimes, disagreements may be rooted in technical aspects or personal preferences. Other times, they may touch on deeper ethical issues.

Disagreement can be constructive! A certain level of tension is commonplace in any organization, especially when collaborative efforts are underway. The pivotal task is to determine if your objection is something you can accept. If it's merely an inconvenience, it might be manageable for the sake of team cohesion. However, if the situation stirs discomfort, it may be a signal of an ethical issue.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Fostering open communication and transparency from the outset is crucial.

When something feels wrong, it's important to voice your concerns early on. There could be a misunderstanding or missing context. Understanding the rationale behind decisions can sometimes clarify your discomfort, or at least help you come to terms with it.

Don’t hesitate to express your feelings candidly:

"I feel uneasy about this decision."

This sentiment is entirely valid.

Initial Conversations Should Be Private

It's generally advisable to initiate these discussions privately with your manager.

In my experience, concerns can escalate unnecessarily when discussed in a larger group too soon. Start by addressing the issue in a one-on-one or small group setting.

If your concerns are dismissed by your manager and you believe they warrant further attention, seeking allies among your colleagues can be a prudent next step.

The Importance of Speaking Up

Voicing an ethical concern can be daunting.

The fear of negative reactions or unforeseen consequences can be overwhelming. Yet, addressing the issue is essential. Keeping quiet often leads to regret and resentment as problems persist unaddressed.

Leaders may take time to become aware of issues, especially if they are not involved in day-to-day operations. Your insights are invaluable; do not shy away from sharing them, even when it feels intimidating.

After interviewing numerous technical leaders about ethical issues, every one of them has recounted a moment that led to organizational change. Almost universally, their stories include the phrase "when I found out about it…"

Leaders aspire to make informed decisions, but they often lack the insights that you possess. Don’t hesitate to communicate your perspective.

Additional Resources

For those interested in further insights, I have previously discussed topics such as selecting the right company, finding joy in coding, and the screening questions I utilize during interviews.

Ethical AI - Bias in Visual and Voice Recognition Software

This video examines the ethical implications of bias in AI technologies, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in software development.

That Quiet Little Voice: When Design and Ethics Collide

In this talk, George Aye discusses the intersection of design and ethics, highlighting the challenges designers face in maintaining ethical standards.