Project Zero

I was searching for an example of Values-sensitive design in big companies. I found this example. However, I do not feel if this is a VSD, so if there is any objection to it, I would love to hear.

Project Zero is a security research initiative launched by Google with the aim of improving the security of software and reducing the likelihood of zero-day vulnerabilities. Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to security flaws in software that are unknown to the software vendor or the public and can be exploited by attackers. These vulnerabilities can pose significant risks to users' data and privacy.

Google's Project Zero focuses on finding and reporting zero-day vulnerabilities in various software, including operating systems, web browsers, and other critical software components. The team of security researchers at Project Zero is dedicated to identifying these vulnerabilities, notifying the affected vendors, and working with them to fix the issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

When vulnerabilities are discovered, Project Zero typically follows a responsible disclosure process, which involves notifying the software vendor about the issue and allowing them a certain period to address and release a fix before making the details of the vulnerability public. This approach aims to encourage timely and effective responses from software vendors to enhance the overall security of the software ecosystem.

By proactively identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, Project Zero plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall security of software systems, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for users worldwide.

One notable and successful example of Project Zero's work involved the discovery of a critical security vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. This particular vulnerability, known as "Spectre" (CVE-2017-5753 and CVE-2017-5715), was part of a broader set of vulnerabilities called "Meltdown and Spectre" that affected a wide range of processors, including those from Intel, AMD, and ARM.