Minerals & Machines
From the Democratic Republic of Congo to battery supply chains: tracing where critical resources are extracted, the people doing the work, and how value is distributed.
Focus: Congo · extraction · electric vehicles · labourProgress is not just what technology can do. It's who benefits, who decides, and who bears the cost.
The Invisible Workforce
The people behind digital platforms and AI: data labellers, content moderators, outsourced teams, gig workers and the working conditions shaping their lives.
Focus: Kenya · global labour · artificial intelligencePlatforms & Control
How powerful technology companies affect people's speech, privacy, livelihoods, culture and access to essential digital services across different countries.
Focus: big tech · surveillance · accountabilityThe Physical Internet
The human and environmental trade-offs of data centres, energy demand, water use, chip fabrication and connectivity projects—from local communities to global infrastructure.
Focus: environment · infrastructure · public interestHow this desk works
Stories begin as research leads, not established conclusions. We seek original reporting, primary documents, credible independent corroboration and perspectives from affected people. We distinguish allegations from findings, link to original reporting and reserve publication for editor-approved material. AI may help organise research but does not certify claims as true.
What you'll find here
Developing investigations, explainers and carefully credited case studies on technology's effects around the world. The most significant verified story can also appear as The Ugly in our regular briefing; this permanent desk gives the subject the depth it deserves.
Read the latest approved briefing