The Heritage Foundation, alongside other leaders in the conservative movement, has introduced a proposal advocating for policy changes in the technology sector that align with traditional American family values. The proposal, titled “A Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right,” outlines ten principles intended to guide future tech policy with a focus on family well-being.
Emma Waters, senior research associate at The Heritage Foundation and co-author of the proposal, described it as "a vital roadmap for navigating the complex relationship between technological advancement and human flourishing." She emphasized the importance of directing technology as a tool for human benefit to avoid becoming subservient to it. Waters collaborated with Michael Toscano of the Institute for Family Studies, Jon Askonas of Catholic University, and Brad Littlejohn and Clare Morell from the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, highlighted both opportunities and risks presented by rapid technological advancement. He stressed that "the family is the cornerstone of our nation," urging tech entrepreneurs and regulators to prioritize family integrity over other interests. According to Roberts, current technology trends are detrimental to American families through issues like social media's impact on children's mental health and automation's threat to jobs.
The letter accompanying the proposal calls for laws and regulations that foster a technological order supporting households economically while protecting various aspects of human life such as sexuality, marriage, childhood enrichment, parental authority, liberty practice, and communal life.
