WASHINGTON— The Heritage Foundation joined other conservative movement leaders in unveiling a new proposal on Wednesday advocating for policy changes in the technology sector that align with traditional American family values. Titled “A Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right,” the proposal outlines 10 key principles designed to shape future tech policy in a way that prioritizes the well-being of families.
Emma Waters, senior research associate at The Heritage Foundation and co-author of the proposal, commented:
“This statement is a vital roadmap for navigating the complex relationship between technological advancement and human flourishing. By emphasizing the irreplaceable role of the family in society, it charts a path for innovation that serves humanity rather than undermining it. Indeed, true technological progress affirms life, preserves dignity, and strengthens the bonds that sustain us—marriage, parenthood, community, and religious life.
“As human reproduction, AI, and entertainment media achieve previously unimaginable developments, it is more important than ever for humans to direct technology as a tool of human flourishing—lest we become slaves to it.
“Policies grounded in these principles ensure that innovation remains a tool for empowerment, fostering a future where technology works with, not against, the essential human goods of family and human flourishing. I’m proud to have authored this important proposal alongside Michael Toscano of the Institute for Family Studies, Jon Askonas of Catholic University, and Brad Littlejohn and Clare Morell, both of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.”
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, added:
“Technology’s rapid advancement offers incredible opportunities, but it also poses serious risks for the American family. To win the battle for the future, we cannot leave the American family behind.
"The family is the cornerstone of our nation--without it, our society crumbles. Tech entrepreneurs and regulators must prioritize the well-being and integrity of the family over bureaucratic, corporate, and even military interests.
“Unfortunately, that’s not what we see today. From social media damaging our children’s mental health to automation threatening American jobs, the current technological order is undermining American families at every turn.
“With these guiding principles, we’re reminding Silicon Valley and the Washington Swamp that technology can do so much more than entertain us or replace us. We’re telling them that it’s time for technology to serve the common good.”
As the letter states, “Our laws and regulations must seek to form a technological order that provides a functional economic role for the household, protects human sexuality, rewards marriage, enriches childhood, preserves parental and communal authority, enables the practice of liberty, and ennobles our common life.”
