In an era where digital and social media platforms shape global interactions, a field referred to as “trust and safety” has emerged inside primarily US technology companies aimed at identifying and addressing the risks and harms individuals face online, including but not limited to fraudulent activities, cyberbullying, misinformation, hate speech, identity theft, privacy breaches, and exploitative content. This course explores the evolving landscape of trust and safety (T&S) within technology companies, including the history of the field, contemporary challenges, and tying it to the practice of global affairs. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students will explore how T&S intersects with topics such as national security, foreign policy, and tech policy, gaining insights into the complex dynamics shaping digital governance and online safety. Students will examine the strategies employed by T&S practitioners to anticipate, manage, and mitigate these risks, critically evaluating their efficacy in safeguarding digital spaces and fostering a climate of trust and integrity. This course will also explore the cultural, regulatory, and ethical considerations that inform T&S practices. Students will delve into the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern trust and safety practices in various jurisdictions, including laws such as Section 230, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), The Digital Services Act (DSA), Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and their implications for content moderation and user privacy. By examining case studies and real-world examples, students will see what it is like to attempt to address thorny questions facing content moderators, policy makers, product managers, and leaders at technology companies.