Board Role in Governance of Age-Appropriate Design in Six Steps
The Executive Summary of an article posted on Medium:
Jeff Kluge @ Medium on Board Role in Governance of Age-Appropriate Design
Main Points:
Establish Policies with Guidelines How to Place in Action
Enable and Empower a Culture of Ethical Technology Development
Compliance & Accountability is an Inside-Outward AND Outside-Inward Process
Stay Current and Learn About Your Blind Spots
Engage Stakeholders
Your Actions Show What Matters Most to Stakeholders
Actions Board Members Can Take to Support and Demonstrate Age-Appropriate Design Governance
1. Establish clear policies and guidelines: Board members should work with the executive team and relevant stakeholders to establish clear policies and guidelines that prioritize age-appropriate design. These policies should outline the principles, values, and standards that the organization commits to follow in designing products and services for children. While commitment to these standards is valuable, more so is to ask those tasked with implementation of such metrics to see how they can place into action. This ensures that every business unit understands, not only their role, but what those roles look like in action.
2. Foster a culture of ethical design: Board members should promote a culture of ethical design within the organization. This involves emphasizing the importance of considering children's safety, well-being, and developmental needs in all aspects of product and service design. They should encourage open discussions, collaboration, and continuous improvement in implementing age-appropriate design practices. The use of a child-centric Data Protection Impact Assessment would do wonders for governance. This document becomes a dynamic testament throughout the lifecycle of the AAA System and shows why and how decisions are made.
3. Monitor compliance and accountability: Board members should oversee the organization's compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards regarding children's privacy and safety. They should ensure that there are mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce compliance, including regular audits and assessments. Board members should hold the executive team accountable for upholding age-appropriate design principles and addressing any concerns or incidents that may arise.
4. Stay informed and educated: Board members should proactively educate themselves about the evolving landscape of children's technology, privacy, and online safety. They should stay informed about emerging trends, risks, and regulatory developments. This knowledge will enable them to provide informed guidance, ask critical questions, and make well-informed decisions regarding age-appropriate design. It is not only good practice, but it is the law that you must.
5. Engage with external stakeholders: Board members should engage with external stakeholders such as child advocacy organizations, privacy experts, and industry associations. By seeking input and collaborating with these stakeholders, the board can gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and ensure that the organization's approach to age-appropriate design aligns with broader industry and societal expectations.
6. Lead by example: Board members should lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to age-appropriate design in their own actions and decisions. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior throughout the organization. By setting a positive tone at the top, board members can inspire and influence the entire organization to prioritize children's safety and well-being in their design practices.
Overall, board members should actively champion age-appropriate design, integrating it into the organization's strategy, culture, and operations. By providing guidance, resources, and oversight, they can ensure that the organization effectively supports and demonstrates its commitment to designing products and services that are safe, beneficial, and respectful of children's rights.
Age-Appropriate Design Governance is a “Newish” Field Which Why it is an Opportunity
Following the governing principles in Age-Appropriate Design will foster child and user-centric design. It will build trust in your brand, as transparency and accountability are at the forefront throughout the lifecycle of the online products, services, and features you build. This will build loyalty and will produce a sustainable business that is no longer dependent on gimmicks, tricks, or deceptive design in order to maintain engagement.
If you are on board and would find a training session valuable, or if you feel like you need further guidance in implementing age-appropriate design principles within your organization, I encourage you to reach out to Jeff and KidsTechEthics. We are dedicated experts in the field of ethical technology and can provide valuable insights, tools, and resources to support your board's efforts.
Remember, the decisions made at the board level have a profound impact on the well-being and rights of children in the digital landscape. By taking proactive steps to champion age-appropriate design, you can play a pivotal role in shaping a safer and more responsible online environment for young users.