Privately: Can AI help make the internet safer for children?

For years, the technology sector could do no wrong – but since the COVID pandemic, there has been an increasing backlash driven by concerns over data privacy, the rise of AI, and tech sector layoffs. While technology is still the most trusted business sector, according to the latest Edelman Trust Survey, there is also growing skepticism about whether tech firms can not only develop exciting new products and services but also serve society, solving problems and having a positive impact. 

Against this backdrop, this series showcases companies that are using technology to contribute to society. Spanning startups that are tackling a range of pressing challenges, from online safety to antibiotic resistance to waste in the beverage industry, the founders in this series aren’t driven by technology alone – they are doing what they’re doing to create a better world.  

In the first episode, we meet Deepak Tewari (IMD MBA 2007), founder and CEO of Privately, which has developed technology to make the internet a safer and better place for children. 

Tewari admits that he is sometimes conflicted about the Tech for Good label, as some firms have tried to use Privately as a front to make them look better. However, he is optimistic that tighter regulation and the risk of hefty fines, particularly in the United States, will provide a growing market for their technology that can perform real-time age estimation from images, voice, and text to help provide age-appropriate user experiences. 

Watch to hear Tewari discuss Privately’s business model, his decision to found the company, and the unexpected customers who are now using the technology.