Abstract

In this research report I examine the current approaches to the design of technology against the development of the Golden Shield project, as undertaken by the Chinese government. The Golden Shield technology is designed to control all forms of electronic communication, including social media technologies. I argue that the current approaches to the design of technology are inadequate. There is a need to include moral values as a consideration in the design of social media technologies, specifically when human well-being is impacted. I offer the capabilities approach as a solution that the designers of technology ought to consider as an option when designing technology as this approach defines conditions for human well-being. I define informational freedom as a capability. Excluding informational freedom in the design of social media technology leads to the user of the technology suffering harm as they are unable to fulfill the capability of informational freedom