Introduction: Turning Innovation into Protection
In an increasingly automated world, the concept of “Safety by Design” has never been more critical. Digital platforms, AI tools, and global communities thrive on innovation — but innovation must be paired with responsibility. That’s where the Trust & Safety (T&S) Hackathon comes in — a collaborative event that empowers participants to develop real-world solutions that make the internet safer for everyone.
This year’s T&S Hackathon: Safety by Design, supported by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, brings together developers, policy thinkers, educators, and technologists for a global virtual event dedicated to reimagining how technology can be built with safety at its core.
About the T&S Hackathon
The T&S Hackathon is a volunteer-driven global program designed to protect users wherever they roam online. It operates under the Chatham House Rule — meaning discussions are off-the-record, and participants contribute as private individuals, not as company representatives. This structure encourages open dialogue, creativity, and genuine collaboration free from corporate constraints.
The event emphasizes core values such as diversity, equity, inclusion, courage, curiosity, and fun. It’s not about competition — it’s about co-creating solutions that strengthen online safety ecosystems.
Participants from all over the world join via Zoom, Discord, Email, or WhatsApp, working synchronously or asynchronously over a 24-hour period. Each small group presents its final solution live on Zoom, with one designated presenter representing their team. Judges then review and select the top ideas based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.
Event Details and Schedule
The Safety by Design Hackathon is free to participate in and will take place on the following dates:
- Welcome & Overview: April 22 @ 2–3pm PT / 5–6pm ET / 10–11pm BST / 7–8am AEST (April 23)
- 24-Hour Small Group Work: April 22 @ 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST / 8am AEST (April 23)
- Final Presentations & Awards: April 23 @ 2–4pm PT / 5–7pm ET / 10–12pm BST / 7–9am AEST (April 24)
Applications must be submitted by EOD Wednesday, April 17, 2024, and acceptance notifications are sent on a rolling basis. Questions and updates can be found on the T&S Hackathon LinkedIn page or by emailing [email protected].
Focus: Evolving and Expanding Safety by Design
The central prompt of this year’s event challenges participants to answer a single question:
“How can we evolve and increase adoption of Safety by Design?”
Participants self-select into one of three groups, each targeting a critical dimension of Safety by Design:
- Safety by Design Evolution: How can these principles adapt to emerging technologies such as AI, immersive platforms, or decentralized apps? What updates are needed to keep pace with evolving threats?
- Safety by Design Implementation: How can we make adoption easier for organizations? What are the common roadblocks, and what tools or frameworks could help?
- Safety by Design Awareness: How can we improve global understanding and awareness of these principles? What creative campaigns, training programs, or communication strategies could make a difference?
Through this structure, the hackathon aims to generate actionable insights — from prototype tools and policy frameworks to education initiatives and awareness campaigns.
Safety by Design: Why It Matters
“Safety by Design” is more than a slogan — it’s a blueprint for digital well-being. It calls on technology developers to embed user protection into every stage of product development rather than treating it as an afterthought.
As emerging technologies such as generative AI and augmented reality blur the boundaries between human and machine interaction, the risks of manipulation, privacy violation, and digital abuse increase. Integrating Safety by Design principles means building systems that anticipate harm, respect consent, and prioritize human dignity.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has been at the forefront of promoting this framework globally, emphasizing that safety is not a compliance issue but a design challenge — one that must be addressed through innovation, empathy, and foresight.
Inside the Hackathon: Collaboration that Crosses Borders
What makes the T&S Hackathon special is its ability to connect passionate people across continents. Participants range from tech professionals and policy experts to educators, digital rights advocates, and students. Each brings a unique perspective on how technology can both empower and endanger.
Within each 24-hour sprint, teams brainstorm, prototype, and refine their ideas — often merging technical, social, and creative disciplines. One team might design a browser extension that flags unsafe interactions for teens, while another develops a governance model for ethical AI moderation. The diversity of ideas reflects the diversity of participants.
Judging, Awards, and Impact
After presentations, judges review the submissions based on three key criteria:
- Innovation: How original and forward-thinking is the solution?
- Feasibility: Can it be implemented realistically and scaled responsibly?
- Social Impact: Will it make the online experience safer, more inclusive, or more transparent?
Winning teams gain recognition across the T&S community and have opportunities to collaborate on follow-up projects, reports, and future events.
But beyond competition, the hackathon’s real value lies in building networks — creating bridges between technologists, researchers, NGOs, and policymakers who can continue the work of safety innovation long after the event ends.
Culture of Safety and Curiosity
Every T&S Hackathon is grounded in a positive, inclusive culture. Participants agree to a Code of Conduct that promotes mutual respect, equity, and intellectual curiosity. Sharing confidential information is prohibited, and all discussions are considered off-the-record to ensure open and honest dialogue.
As the organizers often remind participants: “Safety innovation thrives when people feel safe to speak.”
Global Reach, Shared Mission
The T&S Hackathon continues to grow as a global network of trust and safety professionals and volunteers. From San Francisco to Sydney, participants share one mission — to make digital spaces safer by design. By encouraging experimentation, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary learning, the event has become a laboratory for ethical innovation.
If you believe in technology that protects rather than exploits, this is the space for you. Applications are open until April 17, 2024. Join the T&S Hackathon LinkedIn Group to stay updated on announcements, projects, and future calls for participation.
Conclusion: Designing the Future, Safely
The T&S Hackathon proves that “Safety by Design” isn’t just a policy — it’s a global movement. Each idea born in this virtual collaboration brings us closer to a world where trust and innovation coexist. As we face the challenges of AI, misinformation, and digital harm, one truth remains:
Safety must be built in — not bolted on.