Tristan Harris’ Tech Nonprofit Is Laying Off Most Staff and Going ‘Founder-Led’
The Center for Humane Technology helped spark a movement against excessive screen time, but internal tensions over its direction and strategy have simmered for years, sources tell WIRED.
Nine staff members have departed the Center for Humane Technology (CHT), a nonprofit led by Tristan Harris, following a series of major courtroom victories against social media companies. The departures come after internal debates over the organization's direction, according to 16 former workers. The board decided to focus on initiatives with its founders at the forefront, shifting away from operating as both an advocacy group and a think tank.
Functions such as litigation assistance and AI tool evaluation would be eliminated. Board chair Premal Shah stated that the center would now prioritize public education, targeted briefings, and private coordination. The center, founded in 2017, has received funding from wealthy families and foundations and has worked on issues like online addiction and AI risks.
Former employees express concern that resources might be diverted away from addressing pressing AI concerns, with some fearing the board's shift may limit the organization's impact.
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