Victoria Hernandez-Valcarcel, GTWN President – Europe
Have you ever wondered if technology is shaping us more than we’re shaping it? Or whether our digital lives are helping us connect—or driving us further apart?
In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and automation, the question arises: who is truly in control—us or the machines we have created? This question lies at the heart of Digital Humanism, a transformative framework that calls for putting humanity—not algorithms, profit motives, or technological efficiency—at the center of technological design, development, and usage. Digital Humanism challenges us to rethink our priorities in the digital age, emphasizing human dignity, empathy, equity, and democracy as guiding principles for progress.
The emphasis must shift from technology as a disruptor to technology as an enabler of equity and shared progress, with clear examples of ethical successes, such as the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)1 in protecting user rights across Europe. As the digital revolution accelerates, Digital Humanism provides the vision and strategies we need to reclaim control and ensure that technological progress is truly human- centric.
Digital Humanism: a human-centered approach to innovation
Digital Humanism is the idea that humans—not algorithms, data, or market forces—should be at the center of how we design and use technology. Technology is not an autonomous force; rather, it reflects the values of those who create it. As philosopher Hannah Arendt noted, “Technology does not create an autonomous world—it reflects the values of those who design it.”
By putting human well-being above technological determinism and profit motives, Digital Humanism calls for a shift in how we approach innovation. Instead of prioritizing efficiency, it urges us to ask: Does this technology serve humanity? Does it promote fairness and inclusion? As Yuval Noah Harari warns, “Humans will not fight machines; they will fight those who control the machines.” These ethical considerations must shape how technology is integrated into society.
From The Renaissance to the digital age: The roots of Digital Humanism
Digital Humanism is not a novel concept—it builds upon centuries of intellectual thought on what it means to be human. The Renaissance (1300– 1600) celebrated human creativity and intellectual exploration, as exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci’s fusion of art and science. The Enlightenment (1685–1815) further elevated human reason, ethics, and democracy, paving the way for individual rights and societal progress.
Fast forward to the 19th century, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution reshaped how humanity saw itself within the natural world, demonstrating the power of observation and inquiry. Today, Digital Humanism continues this tradition by applying humanistic values to the digital age, ensuring that technology enhances rather than diminishes human agency.
Just as the Enlightenment led to democratic reforms and the abolition of slavery, Digital Humanism can push for digital rights, equitable access to technology, and stronger protections against exploitation.
Why humanity needs digital humanism now
Technology is embedded in every aspect of our lives, from AI-driven hiring processes to algorithmic news feeds shaping public opinion. While these innovations offer efficiency, they also pose risks: bias, misinformation, privacy erosion, and the monopolization of digital power. Without ethical oversight and intentional leadership, these tools risk deepening inequalities and undermining trust in institutions.
For example, the Cambridge Analytica scandal2 demonstrated how personal data could be
exploited to manipulate democratic elections, highlighting the urgent need for ethical AI and data governance. Similarly, AI-driven hiring systems have been shown to perpetuate biases, leading to systemic discrimination in job access. Digital Humanism provides a framework for ensuring that technological tools serve societal well-being rather than corporate or governmental interests.
A cornerstone of this effort is the EU Digital Decade Policy Program,3 which outlines a roadmap for achieving a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital transformation by 2030. By embedding ethical review processes, increasing digital literacy, and holding technology firms accountable, we can align innovation with human rights.
Digital Humanism: a universal framework for change
While much of the dialogue around Digital Humanism focuses on European initiatives, its principles are globally relevant. Japan’s Society 5.04 envisions a human-centered society where technology addresses societal challenges, while Canada’s Digital Charter5 emphasizes privacy and fairness in digital governance. Across Africa, initiatives like the Alliance for Affordable Internet6 work to close the digital divide, demonstrating that ethical technology is a universal goal.
Digital Humanism is personal: how you can make a difference
While policymakers and industry leaders play critical roles, Digital Humanism fundamentally relies on individuals taking action. Here’s how:
- Demand transparency from tech companies regarding data usage and algorithmic decision- making.
- Support ethical businesses that prioritize privacy and inclusivity.
- Develop digital literacy to critically assess the tools and platforms shaping your online experience.
However, a significant barrier remains: lack of awareness. One in three EU citizens is unaware of their digital rights, and only 56% of Europeans possess basic digital skills (Eurostat, 2024). Overcoming these gaps requires education programs and policy measures that empower citizens to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
Philosophy meets technology: the ethical core of Digital Humanism
Digital Humanism stands apart from two dominant approaches:
1. Technological Determinism – the belief that technological progress is inevitable and beyond human control.
2. Market-Driven Innovation – the prioritization of profit over ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Digital Humanism rejects both, emphasizing the need for intentional, human-centered development. As German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas argued, “Democracy must not only regulate technology but integrate it into society in a way that enhances human agency.” The challenge is to create technology that serves democracy rather than undermines it.
Principles for progress: the blueprint of Digital Humanism
To create a human-centric digital world, Digital Humanism advocates for:
1. Human-Centered Design – prioritizing people’s well-being over efficiency.
2. Ethics and Accountability – holding developers and companies responsible for technology’s impact.
3. Diversity and Inclusion – addressing biases in algorithms and expanding access.
4. Democratic Values – ensuring transparency in AI decision-making.
5. Sustainability – developing digital systems that respect environmental and social limits.
Turning ideas into action: how Digital Humanism can reshape our world
How does Digital Humanism manifest in real- world applications?
AI Ethics – ensuring that AI-driven decisions in hiring, healthcare, and law enforcement are transparent and unbiased.
Education – promoting technology that enhances learning rather than replacing educators.
Finance – preventing algorithmic discrimination in credit scoring and lending practices.
Public Policy – developing regulations that protect digital rights and promote fair technology use.
Governments can follow the EU’s lead with its AI Act, which categorizes AI use cases based on risk (low, high, and unacceptable). This model ensures stricter accountability for high-risk AI, like automated credit scoring or biometric surveillance, while allowing low-risk innovations to thrive responsibly.
Digital Humanism provides the philosophical and ethical foundation for technology’s evolution, but trust is the real-world mechanism that ensures these principles translate into action. Without trust, even the most well-intentioned digital innovations can fail—consumers reject AI-driven products they don’t understand, businesses lose credibility when privacy is violated, and governments face backlash if technology is perceived as a tool for control rather than empowerment. That’s why trust isn’t just a byproduct of ethical technology— it’s a prerequisite for its success. This shift marks the emergence of a new era: the Era of Digital Trust.
The era of Digital Trust: the next evolution of society
The concept of Digital Trust as the next evolutionary step in societal and technological development is crucial. If we consider ourselves the inheritors of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, then we must integrate their defining qualities—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and reason—into the digital age. However, today’s era presents a unique challenge: Trust has become the defining currency of our time.
The Renaissance celebrated human creativity, exploration, and the blending of science and art. The Enlightenment championed reason, democracy, and human rights. Now, in the 21st century, the Digital Age requires us to focus on Trust—the foundation for meaningful human relationships, economic stability, and societal cohesion.
Yet, trust is rapidly eroding. From misinformation and deepfakes to data breaches and AI-driven bias, we live in a time of skepticism. Trust in institutions, governments, corporations, and even in interpersonal relationships is at an all-time low. In this Era of Digital Trust, rebuilding and strengthening trust is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
The crisis of Trust: why it matters in the digital world
1. Trust is the Foundation of Society
Without trust, human cooperation collapses. Political institutions, financial systems, and even friendships rely on a fundamental belief in integrity, accountability, and fairness.
2. Business and Economic Stability Depend on Trust
In business, trust drives consumer behavior. Companies that abuse data, fail to ensure cybersecurity, or mislead consumers face massive reputational and financial losses. Sustainable businesses in the digital age must prioritize ethical AI, data privacy, and transparency.
3. Technology Requires Trust to Function
AI, automation, and digital platforms control an increasing share of our lives. If these technologies operate as “black boxes” without transparency, they foster fear and resistance. A Digital Trust Framework must ensure these systems are explainable, fair, and accountable.
5. Misinformation is Destroying Public Trust
The spread of fake news, propaganda, and AI-generated misinformation undermines democracy, science, and informed decision- making. Without safeguards, society risks descending into chaos, where people no longer believe in facts or institutions.
We are in the business of trust. Whether in telecommunications, banking, or any industry that serves customers, trust is the invisible currency that determines long-term success or failure. It is what keeps customers loyal, regulators at ease, and reputations intact.
In the digital age, where algorithms, automation, and AI-driven decisions shape interactions, trust is not a given—it must be actively earned and safeguarded. The question is: Are businesses truly recognizing that they are in the business of trust? And if so, what are they doing to protect and reinforce it in a world where losing it is easier than ever?
A new intellectual revolution: from Renaissance and Enlightenment to Digital Trust
To shape the future, we must blend the defining traits of past intellectual movements with new Digital Trust Qualities:
| Era | Core Values | How They Shape Digital Trust |
Renaissance (1300-1600) | Creativity, Curiosity, Adaptability | Encourages innovative thinking for ethical AI and human-centric technology |
Enlightenment (1600-1800) | Reason, Skepticism, Human Rights | Ensures that digital ecosystems are based on accountability, fairness, and transparency |
Digital Trust Era (2020s-Present) | Integrity, Security, Transparency, Reliability | Builds trust in AI, data, and digital systems by prioritizing fairness, privacy, and explainability |
The core principles of Digital Trust
To rebuild Digital Trust, individuals, businesses, and policymakers must integrate six key principles:
- Transparency: Digital systems must be open and explainable. Algorithms should not be “black boxes”; AI decisions should be accountable.
- Security: Cybersecurity must be a top priority. Protecting personal data, preventing cyberattacks, and ensuring system resilience are essential.
- Accountability: Companies and governments must take responsibility for the impact of their technologies and policies.
- Fairness: Digital platforms must prevent biases, whether in hiring AI, credit scoring, or legal decision-making.
- Privacy: Individuals should have control over their data, and companies must adopt ethical data collection practices.
- Reliability: AI, blockchain, and digital platforms must function in a predictable, trustworthy manner without manipulation.
Building Digital Trust: practical applications for business, governance, and society
1. In Business: Companies must create ethical AI and data privacy policies. Brands that commit to transparency and security will gain consumer loyalty.
2. In Politics: Governments must implement robust digital rights laws to prevent misinformation and AI abuse in elections.
3. In Social Media: Platforms should prioritize authenticity, verify sources, and combat misinformation with clear labeling.
4. In AI Development: AI must be developed with fairness in mind, ensuring it serves humanity rather than manipulating it.
TRUST is the true currency of the Digital Age
In an era of misinformation, surveillance, and AI- driven decision-making, trust has become the most valuable asset. The Renaissance gave us creativity. The Enlightenment gave us reason. Now, the Digital Age must give us Trust—a foundational principle that ensures technology serves humanity rather than exploits it.
The question we must ask ourselves is: How do we restore trust in a world where digital interactions dominate?
By integrating the principles of Digital Humanism, we can shape a future where technology uplifts society, empowers individuals, and fosters a culture of transparency, fairness, and accountability. Digital Humanism is not just a framework; it is a leadership strategy for shaping the future. We must act now to ensure technology aligns with human values, rather than allowing market forces or political interests to dictate its course.
As individuals, leaders, and global citizens, we all have a role to play. Whether by advocating for stronger regulations, supporting ethical AI initiatives, or fostering digital literacy, we can collectively steer technology toward a more just, equitable, and human-centered future.
The choices we make today will shape the digital world of tomorrow. The question is: Are you ready to lead the way?
- https://gdpr-info.eu/ ↩︎
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/ politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html ↩︎
- https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/ library/digital-decade-policy-programme-2030 ↩︎
- https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/society5_0/index.html ↩︎
- https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovation-better-canada/en/canadas-digital-charter-trust-digital-world ↩︎
- https://webfoundation.org/our-work/ projects/alliance-for-affordable-internet/ ↩︎
VICTORIA HERNANDEZ-VALCARCEL
Victoria Hernandez-Valcarcel is a globally recognized business executive, independent board member, and lecturer with a distinguished career in telecommunications, finance, and corporate governance. Her work spans corporate strategy, investment, and ethics in technology, making her a key voice in shaping a human-centered digital future. As GTWN President for Europe, she advocates for Digital Humanism, ensuring that technology serves human values, ethics, and democracy. Currently based in Paris, Victoria engages in philosophical inquiry and creative exploration, seeking to challenge assumptions about technology’s role in shaping the human experience, identity, and societal structures. She explores the intersection of ethics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, questioning how innovation can serve humanity rather than redefine it.
