Technology and Democracy
@techanddemocracy.newamerica.org
An issue area of New America made up of programs, projects, and initiatives fostering a sustainable digital future that advances equitable opportunity, innovation, fundamental rights, and participatory governance.
@newamerica.org's OTI has created new resources to help state #data holders & users navigate federal pressure & mounting requests. https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/protect-data-to-preserve-public-trust-know-your-states-rights/
Protect Data to Preserve Public Trust: Know Your State’s Rights
New resources to help state data holders and users navigate federal pressure and mounting requests.
www.newamerica.org
February 5, 2026 at 10:13 PM
@newamerica.org's OTI has created new resources to help state #data holders & users navigate federal pressure & mounting requests. https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/protect-data-to-preserve-public-trust-know-your-states-rights/
As #AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, many are being left behind due to gaps in digital skills.
In her latest op-ed, @jessicadine.bsky.social urges NTIA to let states spend #BEAD funds on non-deployment uses to address this and other issues.
https://bit.ly/3NZ1kF0
In her latest op-ed, @jessicadine.bsky.social urges NTIA to let states spend #BEAD funds on non-deployment uses to address this and other issues.
https://bit.ly/3NZ1kF0
Jessica Dine: We Have the Tools to Head Off the Newest Digital Divide
If the NTIA would let us use them...
broadbandbreakfast.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:51 PM
As #AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, many are being left behind due to gaps in digital skills.
In her latest op-ed, @jessicadine.bsky.social urges NTIA to let states spend #BEAD funds on non-deployment uses to address this and other issues.
https://bit.ly/3NZ1kF0
In her latest op-ed, @jessicadine.bsky.social urges NTIA to let states spend #BEAD funds on non-deployment uses to address this and other issues.
https://bit.ly/3NZ1kF0
The debate over who’s responsible for youth online safety keeps circling back to a flawed fix: online age verification mandates.
There’s a better path.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/app-stores-vs-platforms-who-should-be-verifying-internet-users-ages/
There’s a better path.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/app-stores-vs-platforms-who-should-be-verifying-internet-users-ages/
App Stores vs. Platforms: Who Should Be Verifying Internet Users’ Ages?
The debate over who should be responsible for age verification shows that such mandates pose risks to everyone's safety & privacy online.
www.newamerica.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:14 PM
The debate over who’s responsible for youth online safety keeps circling back to a flawed fix: online age verification mandates.
There’s a better path.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/app-stores-vs-platforms-who-should-be-verifying-internet-users-ages/
There’s a better path.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/app-stores-vs-platforms-who-should-be-verifying-internet-users-ages/
For wireless devices, customers want reliable connectivity everywhere at an affordable price.
OTI's @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social and @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasize that #6G policy should prioritize what benefits customers the most.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/what-6g-should-be/
OTI's @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social and @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasize that #6G policy should prioritize what benefits customers the most.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/what-6g-should-be/
What 6G Should Be: Ubiquitous and Seamless Connectivity, Not Just Another “G”
A pro-consumer 6G wireless ecosystem will achieve mobile, Wi-Fi, and satellite interoperability with ubiquitous and seamless connectivity.
www.newamerica.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:07 PM
For wireless devices, customers want reliable connectivity everywhere at an affordable price.
OTI's @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social and @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasize that #6G policy should prioritize what benefits customers the most.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/what-6g-should-be/
OTI's @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social and @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasize that #6G policy should prioritize what benefits customers the most.
https://www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/what-6g-should-be/
@newamerica.org's VP of tech & democracy programs, @lcoral.bsky.social, points to the mass mobilization method of Taylor Swift's #Swifties in combating #AI that generates non-consensual sexual images on social media.
https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/taylor-swift-ai-deepfake-social-media/
https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/taylor-swift-ai-deepfake-social-media/
Can Taylor Swift and the Swifties Save Us from AI?
Taylor Swift’s loyal fanbase responded en masse against deepfake explicit photos of the singer and provided us with a meaningful lesson for combatting AI.
www.newamerica.org
January 31, 2026 at 7:01 PM
@newamerica.org's VP of tech & democracy programs, @lcoral.bsky.social, points to the mass mobilization method of Taylor Swift's #Swifties in combating #AI that generates non-consensual sexual images on social media.
https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/taylor-swift-ai-deepfake-social-media/
https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/taylor-swift-ai-deepfake-social-media/
Rounding out our posts for #DataPrivacyWeek, we're excited to share the zine OTI worked on with @nirhealth.bsky.social! Check out OTI's blog that further breaks down #privacy practices illustrated in the zine. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/top...
January 30, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Rounding out our posts for #DataPrivacyWeek, we're excited to share the zine OTI worked on with @nirhealth.bsky.social! Check out OTI's blog that further breaks down #privacy practices illustrated in the zine. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/top...
Online age verification mandates can endanger our #privacy & #security.
During #DataPrivacyWeek, read OTI's pieces on this, including a brief on zero-knowledge proofs: a possible path to privacy-preserving age verification.
🔗 https://bit.ly/463L2AR
🔗 https://bit.ly/4qB2oxj
During #DataPrivacyWeek, read OTI's pieces on this, including a brief on zero-knowledge proofs: a possible path to privacy-preserving age verification.
🔗 https://bit.ly/463L2AR
🔗 https://bit.ly/4qB2oxj
January 30, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Online age verification mandates can endanger our #privacy & #security.
During #DataPrivacyWeek, read OTI's pieces on this, including a brief on zero-knowledge proofs: a possible path to privacy-preserving age verification.
🔗 https://bit.ly/463L2AR
🔗 https://bit.ly/4qB2oxj
During #DataPrivacyWeek, read OTI's pieces on this, including a brief on zero-knowledge proofs: a possible path to privacy-preserving age verification.
🔗 https://bit.ly/463L2AR
🔗 https://bit.ly/4qB2oxj
As tech, like #AI, gets more integrated in #education, concerns about how schools manage and use student #data while ensuring their privacy are not unfounded.
This #DataPrivacyWeek, read more about this from OTI:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4bQrLXg
🔗 https://bit.ly/469Y3YG
This #DataPrivacyWeek, read more about this from OTI:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4bQrLXg
🔗 https://bit.ly/469Y3YG
January 29, 2026 at 8:54 PM
As tech, like #AI, gets more integrated in #education, concerns about how schools manage and use student #data while ensuring their privacy are not unfounded.
This #DataPrivacyWeek, read more about this from OTI:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4bQrLXg
🔗 https://bit.ly/469Y3YG
This #DataPrivacyWeek, read more about this from OTI:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4bQrLXg
🔗 https://bit.ly/469Y3YG
Our #privacy holds considerable social & economic value, but the U.S.'s current approach to privacy consistently undervalues it.
On #DataPrivacyDay, we revisit an OTI article highlighting the need for a privacy valuation framework.
https://bit.ly/45x7h25
On #DataPrivacyDay, we revisit an OTI article highlighting the need for a privacy valuation framework.
https://bit.ly/45x7h25
January 28, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Our #privacy holds considerable social & economic value, but the U.S.'s current approach to privacy consistently undervalues it.
On #DataPrivacyDay, we revisit an OTI article highlighting the need for a privacy valuation framework.
https://bit.ly/45x7h25
On #DataPrivacyDay, we revisit an OTI article highlighting the need for a privacy valuation framework.
https://bit.ly/45x7h25
Reposted by Technology and Democracy
New America's @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org advocates for tech policy that protects our right to privacy.
This #DataPrivacyDay, we spotlight some of their efforts to advance this important work.
💻 https://go.newamerica.org/consumer-privacy-5
This #DataPrivacyDay, we spotlight some of their efforts to advance this important work.
💻 https://go.newamerica.org/consumer-privacy-5
January 28, 2026 at 6:10 PM
New America's @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org advocates for tech policy that protects our right to privacy.
This #DataPrivacyDay, we spotlight some of their efforts to advance this important work.
💻 https://go.newamerica.org/consumer-privacy-5
This #DataPrivacyDay, we spotlight some of their efforts to advance this important work.
💻 https://go.newamerica.org/consumer-privacy-5
When governments collect, share & use our data, they must do so while prioritizing our #privacy & the truth. Read some of OTI's publications from last year to learn more.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bj5EZu
➡️ https://bit.ly/3NFFaHN
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bfk4K9
#DataPrivacyWeek
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bj5EZu
➡️ https://bit.ly/3NFFaHN
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bfk4K9
#DataPrivacyWeek
January 27, 2026 at 5:54 PM
When governments collect, share & use our data, they must do so while prioritizing our #privacy & the truth. Read some of OTI's publications from last year to learn more.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bj5EZu
➡️ https://bit.ly/3NFFaHN
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bfk4K9
#DataPrivacyWeek
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bj5EZu
➡️ https://bit.ly/3NFFaHN
➡️ https://bit.ly/4bfk4K9
#DataPrivacyWeek
@newamerica.org's OTI advocates for tech policy that protects our right to #privacy. We're kicking off #DataPrivacyWeek with the program's takes on #AI agents & encryption.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4sQm6GO
➡️ http://bit.ly/4bBPk6n
➡️ https://bit.ly/4sQm6GO
➡️ http://bit.ly/4bBPk6n
January 26, 2026 at 5:55 PM
@newamerica.org's OTI advocates for tech policy that protects our right to #privacy. We're kicking off #DataPrivacyWeek with the program's takes on #AI agents & encryption.
➡️ https://bit.ly/4sQm6GO
➡️ http://bit.ly/4bBPk6n
➡️ https://bit.ly/4sQm6GO
➡️ http://bit.ly/4bBPk6n
We're excited to share that OTI Senior Policy Analyst @sydneysaubestre.bsky.social is one of Georgetown's McCourt School Tech & Public Policy Visiting Fellows for spring 2026! https://mccourt.georgetown.edu/news/tpp-visiting-fellows-spring-2026/
TPP Visiting Fellows Bring Cross-Sector Expertise to Advance Responsible Tech - McCourt School of Public Policy
McCourt’s Tech & Public Policy (TPP) spring 2026 visiting fellows includes experts in AI, data privacy and digital governance.
mccourt.georgetown.edu
January 22, 2026 at 3:36 PM
We're excited to share that OTI Senior Policy Analyst @sydneysaubestre.bsky.social is one of Georgetown's McCourt School Tech & Public Policy Visiting Fellows for spring 2026! https://mccourt.georgetown.edu/news/tpp-visiting-fellows-spring-2026/
"When an essential technological instrument of U.S. policy is in the hands of a private individual...it increases the risk of policy capture and outcomes that are not in the public interest," said @newamerica.org's Gordon LaForge to @fastcompany.com. www.fastcompany.com/91475156/is-...
Is Starlink authoritarian-proof?
The Iranian protests are just the latest global conflict where Elon Musk's Starlink has become a vital communication conduit. But will the service always hold up in the face of authoritarian regimes—a...
www.fastcompany.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:39 PM
"When an essential technological instrument of U.S. policy is in the hands of a private individual...it increases the risk of policy capture and outcomes that are not in the public interest," said @newamerica.org's Gordon LaForge to @fastcompany.com. www.fastcompany.com/91475156/is-...
LEO #satellites have had big impacts—such as the free Starlink service being provided in the midst of Iran’s recent internet blackout. When will policy catch up to the proliferation of this tech? @jessicadine.bsky.social's latest in @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/space-is-get...
Space is Getting Crowded, and Policy Governing Low Earth Orbit is Broken
The technology is already forging ahead, whether policy evolves to keep up with it or not, writes New America's Jessica Dine.
www.techpolicy.press
January 16, 2026 at 2:43 PM
LEO #satellites have had big impacts—such as the free Starlink service being provided in the midst of Iran’s recent internet blackout. When will policy catch up to the proliferation of this tech? @jessicadine.bsky.social's latest in @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/space-is-get...
OTI is pleased to endorse @markey.senate.gov's & @repsummerlee.bsky.social's bill centering rights & fairness in the federal government's development, use & oversight of #AI tools. www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-r...
Sen. Markey, Rep. Lee Reintroduce Legislation to Mandate Civil Rights Offices in Federal Agencies that Manage Artificial Intelligence | U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts
Bill Text (PDF)
Washington (January 15, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the...
www.markey.senate.gov
January 15, 2026 at 8:24 PM
OTI is pleased to endorse @markey.senate.gov's & @repsummerlee.bsky.social's bill centering rights & fairness in the federal government's development, use & oversight of #AI tools. www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-r...
@jessicadine.bsky.social, a policy analyst at @newamerica.org's OTI & Wireless Future programs, spoke with Fierce Network about the FCC authorizing Starlink to deploy more satellites at a lower altitude. www.fierce-network.com/broadband/st...
Starlink can now deploy more satellites – here’s what analysts think
The FCC authorized Starlink to deploy more satellites at a lower altitudeThe move will boost capacity but could result in more satellite replacements and inte | The FCC authorized Starlink to launch a...
www.fierce-network.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:51 PM
@jessicadine.bsky.social, a policy analyst at @newamerica.org's OTI & Wireless Future programs, spoke with Fierce Network about the FCC authorizing Starlink to deploy more satellites at a lower altitude. www.fierce-network.com/broadband/st...
Chatbots like #Grok have been used to generate sexualized #AI deepfakes of people that spread across social media.
.@lcoral.bsky.social stressed to @newsweek.com that even w/ legislation addressing #deepfakes, social media platforms themselves must also take action. www.newsweek.com/south-korea-...
.@lcoral.bsky.social stressed to @newsweek.com that even w/ legislation addressing #deepfakes, social media platforms themselves must also take action. www.newsweek.com/south-korea-...
www.newsweek.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Chatbots like #Grok have been used to generate sexualized #AI deepfakes of people that spread across social media.
.@lcoral.bsky.social stressed to @newsweek.com that even w/ legislation addressing #deepfakes, social media platforms themselves must also take action. www.newsweek.com/south-korea-...
.@lcoral.bsky.social stressed to @newsweek.com that even w/ legislation addressing #deepfakes, social media platforms themselves must also take action. www.newsweek.com/south-korea-...
“Increasing the power levels for WiFi connections…is a big win for consumers,” says director of Wireless Future @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social in regards to the FCC's plan to vote on a proposal expanding the use of Wi-Fi in the 6GHz band.
www.fierce-network.com/wireless/fcc...
www.fierce-network.com/wireless/fcc...
FCC to expand use of Wi-Fi in 6 GHz band
The FCC will vote this month on a proposal to allow higher-power, outdoor unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band through a new geofenced variable power (GVP) category
www.fierce-network.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:28 PM
“Increasing the power levels for WiFi connections…is a big win for consumers,” says director of Wireless Future @michaelcalabrese.bsky.social in regards to the FCC's plan to vote on a proposal expanding the use of Wi-Fi in the 6GHz band.
www.fierce-network.com/wireless/fcc...
www.fierce-network.com/wireless/fcc...
A bill has been introduced that would ban the sale of children's toys with AI chatbot capabilities. This takes place at a time when there are numerous gaps in regulating #AI as it moves into physical products. www.techpolicy.press/ai-is-moving...
AI Is Moving Into Physical Products, And Out of Regulatory Reach | TechPolicy.Press
Matt Steinberg discusses how AI wearables and toys blur the line between products and speech—raising urgent regulatory gaps in privacy and child safety.
www.techpolicy.press
January 7, 2026 at 8:55 PM
A bill has been introduced that would ban the sale of children's toys with AI chatbot capabilities. This takes place at a time when there are numerous gaps in regulating #AI as it moves into physical products. www.techpolicy.press/ai-is-moving...
Starting yesterday, #ICE can use Medicaid #data in deportation cases—a heavy blow to privacy in the U.S.
We must continue to push back on such data practices. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
We must continue to push back on such data practices. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Starting yesterday, #ICE can use Medicaid #data in deportation cases—a heavy blow to privacy in the U.S.
We must continue to push back on such data practices. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
We must continue to push back on such data practices. www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
Open Technology Institute joined @epic.org and other orgs in calling on the Social Security Administration to withdraw its System of Records Notice that retroactively justifies sharing sensitive info with the Department of Homeland Security.
EPIC, Coalition Condemn SSA’s Linking of Social Security Data to DHS’s Illegal National Citizenship Database, Demand Immediate Reversal of Changes
epic.org
December 18, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Open Technology Institute joined @epic.org and other orgs in calling on the Social Security Administration to withdraw its System of Records Notice that retroactively justifies sharing sensitive info with the Department of Homeland Security.
JR Washebek, one of @newamerica.org's Digital Service for the Planet fellows, wants #AI tech to be used to revolutionize conservation work.
🔗 newamerica.org/technology-a...
🔗 newamerica.org/technology-a...
Tech for the People, by the People: Using AI to Solve Environmental Problems with JR Washebek
JR tells about what drew her to the nexus of AI, the environment, and society and what her hopes are for a future with AI.
newamerica.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
JR Washebek, one of @newamerica.org's Digital Service for the Planet fellows, wants #AI tech to be used to revolutionize conservation work.
🔗 newamerica.org/technology-a...
🔗 newamerica.org/technology-a...
Reposted by Technology and Democracy
In the first piece of @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org’s new series, Digital Service for the Planet fellow JR Washebek discusses starting a career at the intersection of AI & conservation and shares her hope for the future of #AI.
🗣️ https://go.newamerica.org/ai-environmental-problems-jr-washebek-5
🗣️ https://go.newamerica.org/ai-environmental-problems-jr-washebek-5
December 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
In the first piece of @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org’s new series, Digital Service for the Planet fellow JR Washebek discusses starting a career at the intersection of AI & conservation and shares her hope for the future of #AI.
🗣️ https://go.newamerica.org/ai-environmental-problems-jr-washebek-5
🗣️ https://go.newamerica.org/ai-environmental-problems-jr-washebek-5
The U.S. surveillance apparatus has grown and been abused, but @newamerica.org's OTI will continue to call out what should be done to defend Americans' fundamental rights. Read the program's pieces from this year to learn more:
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dhs...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dhs...
With watchdogs sidelined, critics fear surveillance could go beyond migration. A former DHS official notes a shift from immigration enforcement to "domestic security". This, he adds, appears to be an “ever-expanding category”.
Read @peter.andringa.me's investigation on #FTEdit 👉 on.ft.com/4oGyQfT
Read @peter.andringa.me's investigation on #FTEdit 👉 on.ft.com/4oGyQfT
Trump’s immigration data dragnet
The US is pulling in vast amounts of personal information in its drive to deport 1mn people this year
on.ft.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The U.S. surveillance apparatus has grown and been abused, but @newamerica.org's OTI will continue to call out what should be done to defend Americans' fundamental rights. Read the program's pieces from this year to learn more:
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dhs...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dig...
🔵 newamerica.org/oti/blog/dhs...