Tristan Harris is an internationally influential technology ethicist, computer scientist and co-founder of the Centre for Humane Technology, whose work has reshaped how the world understands the impact of digital products on society. Described by Rolling Stone as one of the 25 People Shaping the World, he has become the leading global voice calling for technology that protects human wellbeing rather than exploiting attention and behaviour. His advocacy has reached hundreds of millions through documentaries, global stages and major tech industry reforms.
Tristan’s career began in product innovation, co-founding Apture while studying at Stanford University in 2007. As CEO, he led the company until its acquisition by Google in 2011. He went on to serve as Google’s first Design Ethicist, pushing for technology that aligned with user values and long-term interests. His early work sparked the Time Well Spent movement, which challenged the persuasive design model that drives overuse, misinformation and polarisation across digital platforms.
In 2018, Tristan co-founded the Centre for Humane Technology, where he now serves as President, developing solutions that support ethical design, reduce digital dependency and protect democracy from tech-driven manipulation. His documentary The Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020) became one of the most-watched films of the year, reaching over 100 million viewers and igniting a global conversation about technology reform. He also co-hosts the award-winning podcast Your Undivided Attention, exploring the hidden systems shaping human behaviour.
A powerful communicator, Tristan has spoken on the Time100 stage, at numerous TED events, and at the highest levels of policy, industry and academia. His efforts have already driven change, inspiring both Apple and Google to launch major digital wellbeing initiatives for billions of users worldwide. He continues to be recognised among the most impactful thinkers worldwide on the future of AI, technology and society.
