Critical infrastructure like water systems, electrical grids, and search engines plays an essential role in daily life. People expect such systems to be reliable, secure, and designed to safeguard public well-being. Recent failures—from Flint’s water crisis to Puerto Rico’s power outage—highlight the broad impacts when these systems falter. Digital infrastructure, including search engines and social media, is now equally critical, shaping information access and communication. However, these platforms often prioritize commercial interests over transparency or user well-being, leading to misinformation and exploitation. Just as public health standards govern food safety, digital platforms should also be held accountable through transparency and safeguards to protect users. Designing digital infrastructure with human-centered principles and regulatory oversight can mitigate risks like misinformation, privacy abuses, and online predation. Embracing such an approach will ensure these evolving technologies promote societal welfare and help people thrive in a connected world.
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