The article emphasizes the problematic use of digital platforms and algorithms that can enable government surveillance, censorship, and the spread of propaganda. This is reflective of a broader concern under the Technology and Services Impact category, where companies’ technological practices have significant implications for democracy and human rights. Such practices, if adopted or indirectly supported by companies like Tech Company, contribute to an environment that bolsters authoritarian control.

Big Tech’s Dilemma: The Russian Perspective on Supporting Authoritarian Regimes – PublicLawLibrary.org

The article details the role of political action committees set up by tech companies to contribute to federal candidates amid the 2024 election cycle. Such contributions are problematic as they can help empower authoritarian-leaning political agendas by increasing corporate influence over the democratic process. This activity is reflective of problematic public and political behavior that undermines electoral fairness.

How Top Tech Companies Are Contributing to the 2024 Federal Election

The article underscores severe human rights abuses and ethical breaches in traditional diamond supply chains. By utilizing advanced space manufacturing techniques to produce diamonds, Tech Company effectively avoids many of these pitfalls. This innovative production method demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical supply chain practices, making it a positive example compared to conventional jewelry companies that continue to source from abusive mining operations.

The Hidden Cost of Jewelry: Human Rights in Supply Chains and the Responsibility of Jewelry Companies

The article details how key tech executives, including leaders from major companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and others, significantly increased their political donations and lobbying efforts. This trend illustrates a clear strategy to influence legislative processes, including efforts to defeat antitrust reforms. Such practices reinforce corporate power and contribute to a dynamical shift where private interests override public accountability, potentially undermining democratic norms and indirectly supporting authoritarian tendencies.

Tech executives increased political donations amid lobbying push - The Hill

The revised self-regulatory guidelines in the diamond industry, as described in the article, are largely voluntary and reflect a token approach rather than a robust adherence to international supply chain ethics. This lack of enforceable responsibility raises serious concerns over the exploitation and unethical sourcing practices within the industry.

Diamond industry fails to clean up its act - Amnesty International

Tech Company's use of space-grown diamond technology sidesteps the unethical and abusive practices often seen in traditional diamond supply chains. By avoiding reliance on mining operations that have been linked to forced labor and human rights abuses—as extensively documented by Human Rights Watch—this approach reflects a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and due diligence.

Diamond Trade Still Fuels Human Suffering

The Human Rights Watch report documents widespread abuses in traditional jewelry supply chains, emphasizing issues such as forced labor, lack of traceability, and environmental harm. In contrast, Tech Company's focus on producing space-grown diamonds suggests a deliberate move to bypass such unethical practices. This proactive measure in supply chain ethics is a positive indicator, meriting a strong score in this category.

The Hidden Cost of Jewelry