The Transhuman Code

Possibilities and predictions abound about the coming months but there is now consensus that machines will become as smart as humans by 2029. Between now and then, we will become increasingly transhuman—humans with more and more technological capability. This knowledge layers the human question to also ask: At what point do we, infused with artificial qualities, stop being human? … What do we ultimately want to become? … What will we become if we do nothing? For some prople and organizations a TransHuman is part of Humanity+, multidisciplinary approach in analyzing the dynamic interplay between humanity and the acceleration of technology.” For some people it means replacing what has been lost, albeit imperfectly, with technology.

This is an initiative that delivers a long term view on the impact technology is having on all of our lives. Only David and Carlos have the foresight and network to bring together a stellar group of experts on the socio-political impact of techno-economical transformations happening on a daily basis all over the world. This is indeed a great platform to engage us all in a conversation that is so critical to our future!

– Danil Kerimi, Director – Head of Digital Economy and Global Technology Policy, World Economic Forum

As bionic eyesight and hearing become widely available, will only those impaired have access? If a neural implant could eliminate dementia and Alzheimer’s, who’s to say it shouldn’t be used for ADHD, brain fatigue, or the aspiration to become a smarter person? If a robot can perform a job better than you, are you dispensable? What are the limits of Artificial Intelligence and how should it be governed?

As we navigate the days ahead, these are the conversations worthy of our attention. Together we must navigate the merger of man and machine to determine the best path between what we can do and what we will do. Our true north is a collective comprehension of what it must mean—and must not mean—to be a thriving human on a thriving planet. Our best answers will codify our best future.

This is the objective of the Transhuman Code, a profound new initiative supported by major media partners. Through a breakthrough multimedia campaign comprised of a website, app, social media campaign, major book launch, and a content subscription service, the Transhuman Code initiative will facilitate the important conversations, provide access to the latest knowledge and discoveries, and offer rare access to the key people and places on the forefront of our transhuman future.

This necessary initiative will engage and inform all citizens of the world in thoughtful dialogue about the dynamic influencers on our personal, communal and professional lives. Exploring and bringing leading expertise on how the application of technology to the infrastructure of our lives i.e. employment, education, transportation, communities, government, currency, and health can shape our future, will afford us the collective opportunity to manage the relationship between humanity and technology.

The movement is already occurring around us so there isn’t a question of participation. We are and will all be affected. The question is whether we will lead ourselves where we want to go or be passively led where we potentially don’t want to go. The Transhuman Code initiative will ensure we are taking the lead.

Digitalization is the new normal with disruptive waves to the economy, business models, consumer choices and demands.Today, we must acknowledge that we are either building a future of technological grandeur at the expense of what makes us magnificent, or we are building a future of human grandeur with the help of magnificent technology. The path we collectively choose will determine whether our future is bleak or bright.

We urge your commitment to #maketechhuman because technology shall serve people and not people serve technology. This is humanity’s manifesto for choosing wisely:

1. Access

To fully reap the benefits of digitalization and technology, all humans must have quality access to connectivity. Governments shall be committed to the expansion of next-generation smart infrastructure, and establish principles of technological neutrality, through a simplified, market-oriented, and transparent regulatory environment, and through incentives to invest in less profitable areas, as well as by fostering investments for skill and capacity building.

2. Privacy

Securing the privacy of every human being is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, personal data conveyed over the Internet or stored in devices connected to the Internet is owned and solely governed by the individual. It is paramount to protect all citizens in the all-digital age.AI systems should use tools, including anonymized data, de-identification, or aggregation to protect personally identifiable information whenever possible.

3. Security

An array of emerging digital threats may harm citizens. Users must trust that their personal and sensitive data is protected and handled appropriately. We strongly support the protection of the foundation of AI and other technologies, including source code, proprietary algorithms, and other intellectual property. We believe governments should avoid requiring companies to transfer or provide access to technology, source code, algorithms, or encryption keys as conditions for doing business. We encourage governments to use strong, globally-accepted and deployed cryptography and other security standards that enable trust and interoperability. We also promote voluntary information-sharing on cyberattacks or hacks to better enable consumer protection.

4. Consent

Respecting the authority and autonomy of every human being is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, personal digital data will not be used as research, rationale, enticement or commodity by any entity or individual, except with the explicit, well-informed, revocable consent of the individual owner of the data.

5. Ethics

Improving the human condition is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, a universal code of ethics reflecting the highest order of human values will govern the development, implementation, and use of technology.

6. Futureproof Skills

Advancing human faculties is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, to that end, the secure, approved, and accountable aggregation of personal information and resources to increase our individual abilities is a fundamental objective of technology.

7. Good

Advocating and innovating the greatest good for all humanity is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, technology, no matter how advanced, will never supersede the spiritual purposes or the moral rights and responsibilities of any human being anywhere. Technology will serve humanity’s needs.

8. Democracy

Democratizing human vision, ingenuity, and education is paramount to realizing the full potential of our future. Therefore, technology will remain humanity’s greatest collaborator but never represent humanity itself.