About Us
Our Story
Internet Safety Labs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent software product safety organization, unrelentingly on the side of consumers and their safety.
Why We Exist
Internet technologies are reshaping society in ways both obvious and hidden. We believe it’s time for internet products and services to be tested with the same safety rigor we apply to all products in our lives. Virtually every new technology and media sees the emergence of safety standards soon following commercialization. (E.g. telephones, automobiles, radio, TV.)
Except the internet. Weird.
In fact, we don’t even have agreement about what safety is when using connected tech. The world’s early efforts have been focused on “privacy” – just one dimension of personal and societal safety.
We need more, we can do better.
That’s where Internet Safety Labs comes in. We’ve developed a practical through line from ethical principles around harm and safety to objectively measurable tests.
We don’t measure the behavior of companies.
We do measure the behavior of technology.
What We Believe
Safe technology is better for everyone – consumers and businesses alike
We can’t change what we can’t measure
Technology is no longer a tool we use, it’s a relationship we share
Statement of Independence
ISL is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) product safety testing and research organization. We are committed to the independence and autonomy of all our work. We do not accept funding that would impact our ability to remain impartial and objective or compromise our ethical foundation.
How We Work
Dignity, Diversity & Respect
Always treat one another and the planet with the utmost respect. Diversity is crucial to our success; it leads to better understanding and better outcomes. People, ideas, and points of view: all are welcome here. We are generous with our resources; we serve humanity in order to bring about a more humane future.
Integrity
We uncompromisingly pursue objective truth. We test product behavior, exclusive of feelings about the companies or people behind the products. Our culture, business model, and governance ensure the integrity of our organization.
Excellence
We strive to excel in every aspect of our work and respectfully question the status quo, and face the awkward or difficult with courage. We’re accuracy and measurement-driven. Committed to making a tangible change in the technology marketplace.
Our History
The Team
Executive Team
Lisa LeVasseur
Executive Director
Why ISL? “Because the world needs a way to measure the ethical behavior of technology, to ensure the well-being of people, societies and the planet.”
Andrea Ausland
Director of Operations
Why ISL? “The mission of Internet Safety Labs resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to work alongside a team focused on software safety for consumers.”
Daniella Doern
Policy Counsel
Why ISL? “Helping people understand how technology works and behaves – especially at the intersection of technology and regulation is very important. I am proud to work with our passionate and experienced team to encourage the adoption of software safety practices that are better for both consumers and businesses.”
Irene Knapp
Technology Director
Why ISL? “Technology should be used for the betterment of humanity. For that to be a reality, industry and government alike need to be held accountable for the harms of the tools they build and deploy. Independent oversight is part of building a future people can live in”.
Board of Directors
Lisa LeVasseur
Why ISL? “Because the world needs a way to measure the ethical behavior of technology, to ensure the well-being of people, societies and the planet.”
Cam Geer
Why ISL? “It’s imperative for the future of our society that the balance of power shifts to a more fair relationship between people and their technology. Internet Safety Labs is raising awareness and providing tools to empower people with agency over their digital lives.”
Eve Maler
Why ISL? “UMAnitarians like to say that privacy isn’t secrecy; privacy isn’t encryption; privacy is context, control, choice, and respect. ISL focuses on respectful technology and breaks down the solution into meaningful steps.”
Dr. Karina Alexanyan
Why ISL? “Internet Safety Lab’s focus on respectful behavior is a powerful way to create the types of relationships we want with the tools that we use. These relationships will be beneficial for both people and businesses.”
Advisors
Allison Mankin
Dr. Nishal Mohan
Why ISL? “As a digital rebel, I work with marginalized communities globally to codevelop and democratize public benefit technologies such as the internet and digital services. ISL understands how technology affects everyone’s privacy, security, and digital rights and I am delighted to support these efforts particularly for the benefit of those new to the digital world.”
Zach Edwards
Sheryl Wilkerson
Why ISL? “I’m excited to serve together with some of the most committed experts and thought leaders, to develop standards for respectful technology that will create a fair and balanced future.”
Deborah Schultz
Why ISL? “Society can only truly thrive when technology is safe for everyone. We need a common language, understanding, and roadmap of how to get there together. I am excited that ISL is leading the way in defining the science of safer software.”
Paul Reeves
Why ISL? “We have safety standards for many important areas of our lives like food, and transportation, but not for software. Yet we use software every day assuming it is safe. I’m proud to support ISL as they help companies and industries define standards that make us all safer while we continue to innovate and grow as individuals and as a global society.“