Center for Democracy & Technology
Recent News About Center for Democracy & Technology
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has released a report titled "Fostering Responsible Tech Use: Balancing the Benefits and Risks Among Public Child Welfare Agencies." The report addresses the integration of data and technology systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), in child welfare agencies that work with over 390,000 youth in foster care annually.
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Recently, legislative bodies across the United States have seen a surge in activity as lawmakers in over 10 states introduced several closely related bills aimed at addressing AI systems and their impacts on various facets of society. These areas include hiring practices, education, insurance, housing, lending, government services, and criminal sentencing. The scope of these bills is extensive and is expected to have a significant impact nationwide.
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On May 23, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) joined other civil society groups in sending a letter urging Vermont Governor Phil Scott to sign the Vermont Data Privacy Act. The bill is noted for its robust privacy protections and is seen as a new model for safeguarding consumers' personal information.
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Policymakers, legal experts, and social media platforms are currently working to establish rules, legislation, and systems aimed at shielding youth from a variety of online risks, including unwanted sexual solicitations and potential violence. Yet, an important question arises: do all youth need the same uniform protection or can such protection be differentiated based on differing needs? Instead of enacting “Big Brother” type online surveillance systems, picture a digital world where youth navigate a spectrum of online risks and those who are at the highest risk could opt-in...
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On April 17, CDT Europe and the Open Government Partnership hosted the Fifth DSA Civil Society Roundtable Series event in Brussels. With the Digital Services Act (DSA) now fully in force, over 90 participants from national regulatory bodies, European institutions, academia, and civil society gathered to discuss various aspects of DSA implementation. The event aimed to identify priorities and challenges faced by different stakeholders and explore potential areas for improved collaboration.
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On May 27th, government officials and representatives from the private sector, academia, and civil society worldwide will gather to commemorate two decades since the first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The WSIS initially convened stakeholders to envision a future where digital technologies are accessible to all, regardless of country or background. It initiated a series of meetings aimed at aligning the internet's evolution with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and fundamental human rights principles.
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In advance of the markup in the House Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee today, several civil society organizations have sent a letter to House Commerce Chairs and members of the Innovation, Communications, and Technology Subcommittee. The letter expresses concerns regarding the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), H.R. 7891, as it is currently drafted.
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U.S. House Energy & Commerce leadership recently announced draft legislation that would sunset Section 230 protections. Repealing Section 230 without an agreement on what a post-230 world should look like could threaten users' free expression rights and exacerbate the problems some in Congress aim to solve. Any conversation about reforming Section 230 must prioritize users, including those who rely on its protections to exchange information online.
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On Friday, Colorado enacted Senate Bill 24-205 (SB 205), a new law aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in AI-driven decision systems. This legislation requires companies to provide basic information and safeguards when using AI for high-stakes decisions affecting employment, credit, healthcare, and education. Currently, many companies make such decisions without informing the affected individuals, leading to potential errors and biases that undermine civil rights and consumer protection laws.
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On Wednesday, May 22, Jake Laperruque from the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing titled “Advancing Innovation (AI): Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Defend and Secure the Homeland.”
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has submitted comments to the Meta Oversight Board regarding the moderation of posts containing the phrase "From the river to the sea." The phrase, which refers to the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, has gained prominence in public discourse since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.
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As India, the world's largest democracy, witnesses nearly a billion voters heading to the polls, CDT, Article 19 and eight other civil society organizations have called on the Indian government to cease its suppression of press activity and political opposition.
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and Consumer Reports have expressed their support for the passage of Colorado’s Senate Bill 205. This legislation aims to establish fundamental safeguards for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in critical decisions impacting consumers and workers, such as those related to housing access, lending, and employment.
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), in conjunction with other leading civil society organizations, has urged the Senate to further refine the Kids Online Safety Act. These organizations, which include the ACLU, EFF, Fight for the Future, and New America’s Open Technology Institute, have expressed concerns that the current bill could lead to censorship and heightened risks to internet users' privacy.
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On May 16, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined forces with New America’s Open Tech Institute to express their opposition to the Kids Off Social Media Act (S. 4213). This legislation was introduced by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
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The prolonged debate over the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA 702) ended in April with an extension of warrantless surveillance authority, but without substantial reforms to safeguard civil liberties. The new law, known as the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, H.R. 7888, or RISAA, was touted by supporters as containing significant reforms. However, critics argue that it largely maintains a problematic status quo and even expands surveillance in concerning ways.
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A report from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) entitled “Navigating Demographic Measurement for Fairness and Equity” explores the increasing expectations on AI system developers and users to proactively identify and address potential bias or discrimination. The report emphasizes the importance of demographic data in measuring fairness and bias within these systems, offering methodologies, guidance, and case studies for those undertaking fairness and equity assessments.
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On May 15, CDT Europe convened an online panel event titled "Exploring Ways Forward to Combat Spyware in the EU." The high-level panel assembled speakers from various institutions, academia, and policy makers to deliberate on the malicious practice of spyware being used by EU states against their own citizens. The discussion particularly focused on the aftermath of the Pegasus spyware scandal and its global impact, as well as the response of the EU institutions. Speakers proposed strategies to curtail the use of spyware in the EU, thereby ensuring respect for fundamental rights.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are being built, integrated, and deployed by organizations across the globe. The key to ensuring these systems fulfill their potential without causing undue harm lies in recognizing and engaging with the broader contexts in which they operate. Policymakers and public stakeholders increasingly expect a sociotechnical approach to AI system construction and governance that safeguards people's rights and safety.
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On May 15, Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), joined the Access Board in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU also included the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and aims to address equity and accessibility under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development & Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative ensures that the disability community is engaged around AI developments.