Tech for Good: The Power of Privacy
The tech for good movement continues to shape some of the most inspiring innovations in the UK. Whether it’s improving access to healthcare, championing sustainability, or driving educational opportunities. These technologies are designed not just to function, but to make a meaningful difference in people’s day-to-day lives. Behind all of these innovations is data – the feedstock for AI – helping to personalise experiences, track outcomes, and inform decisions.
As this tech for good movement only continues to gain momentum, many organisations are beginning to look beyond functionality and consider the wider conditions that support sustainable, and meaningful impact. One of those conditions is data privacy. As a foundation for trust, inclusion, and long-term success.
Empowerment through privacy
For mission driven tech, data privacy is a key enabler for the positive impact many organisations are working hard to deliver. That’s because trust is central to the success of purpose led technology, especially where users are being asked to share sensitive information or engage in emotionally charged contexts.
When people feel confident that their data is being treated responsibly, they are more likely to engage meaningfully with a platform, provide accurate information, and recommend it to others. In this way, robust privacy practices directly supports the adoption of a product, deepens engagement, and generates better quality insights – all of which contribute to stronger social outcomes.
Privacy also helps organisations demonstrate accountability – not only to regulators, but to funders, partners, and the communities they serve. It signals that ethical considerations and evidenced action run through the entire product or service, not just the headline mission.
Ethically designed from the start
The good news is that building privacy into products and services is more achievable than ever. Many organisations are adopting “privacy by design” practices: considering early on what data is truly needed, how to communicate this transparently, and how to empower end users with genuine control.
For example, privacy by design practices can include very basic steps like avoiding default opt-ins, offering meaningful choices around data sharing, and making privacy notices transparent and accessible. All of these actions can help support informed decisions while building consumer trust. Likewise, proportionate data retention policies or user friendly privacy dashboards can reflect a deeper respect for the people using a platform or service.
Not only do these measures protect users' privacy, but they also contribute to a better experience overall. In fact, privacy first design is essential for aligning with the UK’s ethical principles which underpin the pro-innovation approach, such as transparency, accessibility, and inclusion.
Strengthening social value
As the tech for good movement continues to mature, embedding strong privacy practices into the fabric of tech businesses is essential to ensure they remain trusted and resilient. Many organisations are already setting a high standard in this space – but there is a growing opportunity to use data privacy as a strategic asset that enhances social value, and trust.
Incorporating privacy first thinking into design, governance, and partnerships can help organisations go further and faster in their missions – reaching more people, earning deeper trust, and securing broader support.
Because ultimately, tech that respects its users and puts them first, is tech that can sustain real and lasting impact.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
The UK is a global leader in AI innovation, development and adoption.
The economic growth and productivity gain that AI can unlock is vast, but to fully harness this transformative opportunity, immediate action is required. Our aim is to ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology and continues to be a world leader in AI development.
Get involved: techUK runs a busy calendar of activities including events, reports, and insights to demonstrate some of the most significant AI opportunities for the UK. Our AI Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activity. We also send a monthly AI newsletter which you can subscribe to here.
Upcoming AI events
AI and Inclusion: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Inclusion in Work and Learning
OnlineLatest news and insights
Subscribe to our AI newsletter
AI and Data Analytics updates
Sign-up to our monthly newsletter to get the latest updates and opportunities from our AI and Data Analytics Programme straight to your inbox.
Contact the team
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Visit our AI Hub - the home of all our AI content:
