Several years ago, French President Emmanuel Macron launched the Tech for Good Summit, extending invitations to fifty technology company leaders to address industry-wide concerns and unveil new commitments.

Typically, these tech executives convene prior to Viva Technology, a prominent technology conference held in Paris. This year, however, the cancellation of Viva Technology prevented the customary gathering, precluding the opportunity for a collective photograph and a public declaration of their commitment to positive global impact.

Despite this, a significant number of tech CEOs have opted to endorse a shared pledge. While acknowledging the benefits of certain technological advancements, they collectively recognize areas requiring improvement within the technology sector.

The pledge states, “Recognizing that progress in these areas may be impeded by detrimental factors, including inequitable competition stemming from the misuse of dominant market positions or systemic issues, and the fragmentation of the internet; that technology, without adequate protections, can be exploited to undermine fundamental freedoms and human rights, or to weaken democratic processes; and that, without proactive measures, certain individuals and groups will inevitably utilize it for illicit activities, even within the context of armed conflicts.”

Those companies committing to the pledge agree to collaborate in the effort to combat harmful online content, specifically including child sexual abuse material and content promoting terrorism. They also pledge to “address responsibly issues such as hate speech, misinformation, and attempts to manipulate public opinion.”

Notably, the pledge also includes an agreement to “make a fair contribution to taxes in the countries where [they] conduct business.” This matter has been a recurring point of contention between the French and U.S. governments, with the OECD and the European Union also considering the implementation of a tax on major technology companies, requiring them to report to tax authorities in each country of operation.

Further commitments address issues of privacy, social inclusion, diversity, equity, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, aligning with the pledge’s overall focus on leveraging technology for beneficial purposes.

Turning to the signatories, the list includes several prominent figures, such as Sundar Pichai of Alphabet (Google), Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Brad Smith of Microsoft, Evan Spiegel of Snap, and Jack Dorsey, CEO of both Twitter and Square. Additional companies represented include Cisco, Deliveroo, Doctolib, IBM, OpenClassrooms, and Uber.

A number of nonprofit organizations have also endorsed the pledge, including the Mozilla Foundation, Simplon, and Tech for Good France.

However, it is equally noteworthy to consider which companies have chosen not to sign. Both Amazon and Apple have declined to participate. Discussions were held with Apple, but the company ultimately decided against joining the initiative.

“Amazon did not wish to sign it, and I encourage you to direct your inquiries to them,” stated a source connected to the French president, indicating a clear expression of disapproval from the French government regarding Amazon’s decision.

This decision is particularly curious given the non-binding nature of the pledge. Companies can express a commitment to “contribute fairly to taxes” while simultaneously maintaining that they are fulfilling all legal obligations – tax optimization differs from tax evasion. Similarly, they can promote “privacy by design” while simultaneously constructing business models reliant on personalized advertising and detailed user targeting.

Essentially, the Tech for Good Summit appears to have been designed to facilitate public relations opportunities, mirroring the event held in 2018. Tech CEOs seek recognition comparable to that afforded to heads of state, while President Macron aims to cultivate an image as a forward-thinking leader in the technology sphere. This arrangement benefits both parties, while potentially offering limited substantive value to others.

While some nonprofit organizations and governance groups are genuinely dedicated to establishing digital commons, large technology companies are employing similar language in these image-focused campaigns.

In 2018, hundreds of organizations signed the Paris Call. In 2019, major social media companies endorsed the Christchurch Call. Now, we have the Tech for Good Call. These initiatives should not be considered substitutes for comprehensive and effective regulation.