Center for Humane Technology winds down policy and research programs

The Center for Humane Technology’s board said the organization will wind down its in-house policy, litigation, research and other programs, reduce staff in those areas and refocus on founder-led public communication and outreach to decision-makers.

Several of the nonprofit’s operating functions will end as a result. CHT is stepping back from research coordination, policy and litigation advisory work, evaluations of AI’s psychosocial effects and a planned fellows program.

Its continuing work will center on public education, targeted briefings and private coordination. The founders, accompanied by chief of staff Julie Johnston, will lead that work, with co-founder Randy Fernando serving as interim executive director during the transition.

One initiative will continue for now: AI and What Makes Us Human, including Stop AI Drift, is due to run through the end of October. CHT said it will then conclude its programmatic operations.

The board did not say how many employees would be affected. It said CHT had committed financial support for departing employees and would work with affected funders, partners and collaborators on project transitions.