The Center for Humane Technology (CHT), a nonprofit co-founded by Tristan Harris, is laying off about half of its 16 non-founder employees, according to ex-staffers. The organization is shifting its focus from policy research and litigation to what it calls 'founder-led' initiatives, including public education and private coordination with influential decisionmakers.
CHT's board announced the decision last week, citing the need to concentrate on its core strengths amid accelerated AI risk. The move follows a series of major courtroom victories against social media companies, which the center used to argue platforms were designed to keep users engaged.
The layoffs include key figures such as executive director Julie Guirado and senior director of strategy Camille Carlton. The board said functions like litigation support and AI tool evaluation would be eliminated, though no exact number of departures was specified.
"This moment of accelerated AI risk demands we focus on one strategy, and we have chosen to focus on what we have always done best so that we can meet the moment," said board chair Premal Shah in a statement to WIRED.
The decision comes as Harris has increasingly warned about the risks of advanced artificial intelligence, including a potential 'AI takeover' if the technology escapes control. He has also joined efforts to pause AI development and push for congressional action on the issue.
CHT has been funded by wealthy families and foundations, with an annual budget of about $6 million. Former employees fear the shift may divert resources from broader concerns about AI’s impact on democracy and civil liberties.
Source: wired
