The latest Public Good App House conversation with Dan Hon, a leader in civic technology and digital transformation, sheds light on the evolving landscape of government, nonprofit, and civic tech. Hosted by Billy Bicket, this deep-dive interview explores the urgent need for adaptive, sustainable, and secure public interest technology.
Defining Civic, Government, and Nonprofit Tech
Dan Hon distinguishes between these sectors by emphasizing their shared struggles: none of them work as well as they should.
- Government tech is the infrastructure enabling essential public services, from social security to tax administration.
- Civic tech emerges from grassroots efforts, often independent of government, aiming to bridge gaps in public services (e.g., FixMyStreet, community reporting tools).
- Nonprofit tech encompasses both operational tools (e.g., Slack, Google Workspace) and purpose-built solutions unique to an organization’s mission (e.g., Audubon’s bird tracking surveys).
The Shift to Public Good Technology
Hon highlights a rebranding shift from "civic tech" to "public interest technology" or "public good technology," reflecting the need for sustainable, collectively funded infrastructure. Instead of relying on temporary grants or short-term innovation cycles, this framing advocates for long-term investment in digital public services.
Technology and Political Polarization
Political instability and growing mistrust in government-run systems complicate the development of digital public infrastructure. Hon discusses how digital services, from Medicaid portals to Head Start funding systems, are vulnerable to political interference. The challenge lies in ensuring these essential services remain resilient, transparent, and accountable.
Securing Nonprofit Tech Against Emerging Threats
One of the most pressing concerns is cybersecurity. Hon urges nonprofits to:
- Assess data risks—Minimize what data is collected to reduce exposure.
- Embrace encryption—Tools like end-to-end encryption can protect sensitive information.
- Plan for subpoenas—Understanding how to respond to legal requests for data is crucial.
- Seek expert guidance—Nonprofits need security experts to identify vulnerabilities and implement best practices.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Most nonprofits lack in-house technical expertise to tackle these challenges. Funders historically focus on programmatic grants rather than operational resilience. Hon calls for a paradigm shift where institutional funders invest in security, training, and infrastructure.
The Role of Community Organizing
Technology alone isn't the solution—human-centered organizing is key. Hon emphasizes the importance of in-person meetings and grassroots collaboration to build digital resilience. He suggests nonprofits engage with organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for security resources and training.
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenges, solutions exist. The security, usability, and sustainability of public good technology require prioritization, funding, and proactive adaptation. Hon’s message is clear: the work ahead is difficult, but much of it is already well understood—what’s needed is the commitment to act.
For more insights from Dan Hon, visit verylittlegravitas.com or subscribe to his newsletter at newsletter.danhon.com.