About

Safety by Design Lab: Building a Secure and Trustworthy Digital Future

Safety by Design Lab (SBDL) is a pioneering research think tank dedicated to shaping a secure and trustworthy digital future. Founded by Dr. Tomomi Tanaka, a renowned behavioral scientist and internet safety expert, SBDL champions the integration of safety principles into the very foundation of AI and internet technologies. This proactive approach, known as Safety by Design (SBD), emphasizes identifying and mitigating potential risks from the earliest stages of development, ensuring that safety becomes a cornerstone of innovation, not an afterthought.

Vision: A Digital World Built on Safety and Ethics

SBDL operates with a clear vision: to create a digital environment where users can interact with technology with confidence and trust. This vision is rooted in the understanding that the internet and AI are powerful tools that can profoundly impact our lives. However, their potential benefits can be overshadowed by safety and ethical concerns if not carefully addressed. SBDL recognizes the crucial role of safety in fostering a thriving digital ecosystem – one where users feel empowered to explore the full potential of technology without fear of exploitation or harm.

Mission: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Safety

SBDL pursues its vision through a multifaceted approach, encompassing research, collaboration, education, and advocacy.

1) Research & Development: SBDL spearheads cutting-edge research initiatives to delve deeper into the human factors and technical considerations critical for safe and ethical AI development. This includes exploring areas like bias detection and mitigation in AI algorithms, ensuring that AI systems are designed with fairness and inclusivity in mind.
2) Collaborative Projects: Recognizing the importance of collective action, SBDL actively fosters partnerships with leading organizations across technology, academia, and government. Through these collaborations, SBDL works to implement SBD principles across a wide range of technologies, promoting a unified approach to safety in the digital landscape.
3) Consulting Services: SBDL leverages its expertise to provide comprehensive consulting services to organizations of all sizes. This includes assisting in integrating SBD principles throughout their development lifecycles, conducting thorough safety assessments of AI systems, and offering guidance on best practices for responsible technology development.
4) Advocacy & Education: SBDL is committed to raising public awareness about the importance of Safety by Design. They actively engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public to spark crucial conversations about safety considerations in the development and deployment of AI and internet technologies. Through targeted outreach and educational initiatives, SBDL empowers stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote a safe and responsible digital future.
5) Building a Global Safety Network: SBDL recognizes the global nature of the digital world and the importance of international cooperation. They are actively building a network of SBD specialists worldwide, fostering knowledge exchange, and facilitating collaboration across borders. This network serves as a powerful platform to share best practices, address emerging challenges, and amplify the collective call for a secure and trustworthy digital future.

Leveraging Behavioral Science for Safer Interactions

SBDL recognizes the critical role that human behavior plays in digital interactions. Our brains are wired with shortcuts that can sometimes lead to risky online behaviors. These mental shortcuts, known as cognitive biases, can influence how we interact with technology. AI systems, designed and managed by humans, are inherently susceptible to these biases. SBDL leverages insights from behavioral science to "nudge" both users and developers towards safe and responsible behavior. By understanding how humans interact with technology, SBDL can influence the design of AI and internet systems to create environments that promote responsible interactions and mitigate potential risks.

Join the Movement for a Secure Digital Future

Safety by Design Lab invites researchers, developers, policymakers, and advocates to join them in shaping the future of technology. By fostering collaboration, promoting responsible innovation, and advocating for safety-first principles, SBDL envisions a digital world where everyone can benefit from the power of technology without fear or risk.