Travis Hall
@travisrh.bsky.social
Director of State Engagement for the Center for Democracy and Technology. Tech policy and parenting.
Has anyone delved into the shift in conversation from "the Border" to "immigration"? It feels like all of the rhetoric from both sides during the election was on border security, and now it is about immigration. Seems important but not sure I've seen it discussed!
Pew finds 60% oppose pausing visas and 66% oppose nixing asylum! People overinterpreted 2024 as a seismic shift to Trump on immigration. But the data is showing very broad opposition to the restrictionist, ethnonationalist, anti-humanitarian aspects of Trumpism. 5/5
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
February 4, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Has anyone delved into the shift in conversation from "the Border" to "immigration"? It feels like all of the rhetoric from both sides during the election was on border security, and now it is about immigration. Seems important but not sure I've seen it discussed!
Reposted by Travis Hall
“The State Location Privacy Act (SLPA) also received the endorsements of EPIC, Consumer Federation of America, Privacy Rights Clearing House, Public Knowledge, CDT, PIRG, & TechEquity, which are united in advancing meaningful privacy rights as detailed in the SLPA.“
Consumer Reports unveils new model bill to prevent geolocation data from being weaponized against consumers
Consumer Reports released today the State Location Privacy Act, model legislation developed to provide lawmakers with a framework for protecting the precise geolocation data of…
advocacy.consumerreports.org
January 30, 2026 at 8:55 PM
“The State Location Privacy Act (SLPA) also received the endorsements of EPIC, Consumer Federation of America, Privacy Rights Clearing House, Public Knowledge, CDT, PIRG, & TechEquity, which are united in advancing meaningful privacy rights as detailed in the SLPA.“
Reposted by Travis Hall
We've started! Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/glO0_Sw...
January 29, 2026 at 2:27 PM
We've started! Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/glO0_Sw...
Reposted by Travis Hall
Political influencers are reshaping how millions of Americans engage with democracy. New analysis from CDT’s Isabel Linzer & Becca Branum break down what this shift means for transparency, accountability, & democratic norms. cdt.org/insights/pol...
January 28, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Political influencers are reshaping how millions of Americans engage with democracy. New analysis from CDT’s Isabel Linzer & Becca Branum break down what this shift means for transparency, accountability, & democratic norms. cdt.org/insights/pol...
Reposted by Travis Hall
CDT joined 1,025 org urging Congress to reject further funding for ICE and CBP without meaningful new oversight and controls. www.detentionwatchne...
January 28, 2026 at 7:07 PM
CDT joined 1,025 org urging Congress to reject further funding for ICE and CBP without meaningful new oversight and controls. www.detentionwatchne...
Reposted by Travis Hall
People all over the country are sharing information about ICE activities. Anonymity is a safety tool. DHS has been trying to get information on anonymous accounts without sufficient process and really only because they don't like that they are a tool of accountability.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the Trump administration have been clear that, to them, the problem isn’t ICE agents running amok in American cities; it’s the people documenting ICE activities and posting to social media. But doing so—even anonymously—is protected by law, writes CDT's Kate Ruane.
Americans Have the Right to Be Anonymous Online
Kate Ruane is the Director of Center for Democracy & Technology's Free Expression Project.
www.techpolicy.press
January 27, 2026 at 2:10 PM
People all over the country are sharing information about ICE activities. Anonymity is a safety tool. DHS has been trying to get information on anonymous accounts without sufficient process and really only because they don't like that they are a tool of accountability.
Reposted by Travis Hall
How can state & local governments responsibly use AI in 2026?
Join CDT on Feb. 3 for a virtual discussion on AI governance, oversight, and public trust in government services. 🗓️ Feb 3, 2026 | ⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET | 💻 Virtual
cdt.org/event/how-ca...
Join CDT on Feb. 3 for a virtual discussion on AI governance, oversight, and public trust in government services. 🗓️ Feb 3, 2026 | ⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET | 💻 Virtual
cdt.org/event/how-ca...
January 23, 2026 at 8:54 PM
How can state & local governments responsibly use AI in 2026?
Join CDT on Feb. 3 for a virtual discussion on AI governance, oversight, and public trust in government services. 🗓️ Feb 3, 2026 | ⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET | 💻 Virtual
cdt.org/event/how-ca...
Join CDT on Feb. 3 for a virtual discussion on AI governance, oversight, and public trust in government services. 🗓️ Feb 3, 2026 | ⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET | 💻 Virtual
cdt.org/event/how-ca...
Reposted by Travis Hall
The TikTok deal has improved the privacy of exactly no one and has done nothing to improve national security. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/t...
TikTok Strikes Deal for New U.S. Entity, Ending Long Legal Saga
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:15 PM
The TikTok deal has improved the privacy of exactly no one and has done nothing to improve national security. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/t...
Reposted by Travis Hall
As federal investment in AI for education accelerates, states are stepping in to ensure AI is used in ways that protect students’ rights and well-being. Responsible AI in schools requires clear rules, real training, and strong safeguards.
States Focused on Responsible Use of AI in Education during the 2025 Legislative Session
This blog is part of a series of pieces highlighting AI regulation trends across states during the 2025 legislative session. See CDT’s other blogs on public sector AI legislation and state administrative data privacy legislation. Introduction This year, the government and industry alike have given unprecedented attention to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, implementation, and literacy […]
cdt.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:28 PM
As federal investment in AI for education accelerates, states are stepping in to ensure AI is used in ways that protect students’ rights and well-being. Responsible AI in schools requires clear rules, real training, and strong safeguards.
Reposted by Travis Hall
Five clear trends emerged:
• Advancing AI literacy for students & teacher training
• Creating guidance on responsible AI use (privacy, transparency, security)
• Establishing studies & task forces
• Prohibiting high-risk AI uses
• Addressing AI-generated deepfake NCII in schools
• Advancing AI literacy for students & teacher training
• Creating guidance on responsible AI use (privacy, transparency, security)
• Establishing studies & task forces
• Prohibiting high-risk AI uses
• Addressing AI-generated deepfake NCII in schools
January 23, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Five clear trends emerged:
• Advancing AI literacy for students & teacher training
• Creating guidance on responsible AI use (privacy, transparency, security)
• Establishing studies & task forces
• Prohibiting high-risk AI uses
• Addressing AI-generated deepfake NCII in schools
• Advancing AI literacy for students & teacher training
• Creating guidance on responsible AI use (privacy, transparency, security)
• Establishing studies & task forces
• Prohibiting high-risk AI uses
• Addressing AI-generated deepfake NCII in schools
Reposted by Travis Hall
NEW from CDT’s Maddy Dwyer: In 2025, states moved quickly to address the growing use of AI in classrooms. Across 21 states, lawmakers introduced 53 bills on AI in education—most focused on K–12—with 4 states enacting new laws to put guardrails around AI use.
States Focused on Responsible Use of AI in Education during the 2025 Legislative Session
This blog is part of a series of pieces highlighting AI regulation trends across states during the 2025 legislative session. See CDT’s other blogs on public sector AI legislation and state administrative data privacy legislation. Introduction This year, the government and industry alike have given unprecedented attention to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, implementation, and literacy […]
cdt.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:28 PM
NEW from CDT’s Maddy Dwyer: In 2025, states moved quickly to address the growing use of AI in classrooms. Across 21 states, lawmakers introduced 53 bills on AI in education—most focused on K–12—with 4 states enacting new laws to put guardrails around AI use.
Reposted by Travis Hall
CDT’s analysis highlights both risks and promising paths forward, including new laws in NM, IL, and CA that better safeguard state-held data. Strong protections aren’t just about privacy—they’re essential to public trust and access to critical services.
2025 State Legislative Efforts to Address Changes in Federal Access to State Administrative Data
This blog is part of a series of pieces highlighting AI regulation trends across states during the 2025 legislative session. See CDT’s other blogs on state public sector AI legislation and AI in education legislation. Introduction Over the past year, the Trump Administration has sought to consolidate and repurpose administrative data, including personal data about […]
cdt.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:28 PM
CDT’s analysis highlights both risks and promising paths forward, including new laws in NM, IL, and CA that better safeguard state-held data. Strong protections aren’t just about privacy—they’re essential to public trust and access to critical services.
Reposted by Travis Hall
Most bills aimed to strengthen protections limiting when sensitive information can be collected or shared with the federal government. But others moved in the opposite direction, expanding data collection and mandating sharing with federal immigration authorities.
January 22, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Most bills aimed to strengthen protections limiting when sensitive information can be collected or shared with the federal government. But others moved in the opposite direction, expanding data collection and mandating sharing with federal immigration authorities.
Reposted by Travis Hall
NEW from CDT’s Quinn Anex-Ries + Maddy Dwyer: In 2025, state lawmakers responded to expanding federal access to state administrative data—like Medicaid, SNAP, education, and immigration-related records—amid growing privacy and security concerns.
2025 State Legislative Efforts to Address Changes in Federal Access to State Administrative Data
This blog is part of a series of pieces highlighting AI regulation trends across states during the 2025 legislative session. See CDT’s other blogs on state public sector AI legislation and AI in education legislation. Introduction Over the past year, the Trump Administration has sought to consolidate and repurpose administrative data, including personal data about […]
cdt.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:28 PM
NEW from CDT’s Quinn Anex-Ries + Maddy Dwyer: In 2025, state lawmakers responded to expanding federal access to state administrative data—like Medicaid, SNAP, education, and immigration-related records—amid growing privacy and security concerns.
Reposted by Travis Hall
I'm hiring a senior policy analyst/counsel for the privacy & data team at CDT!
"Inquire within"
"Inquire within"
Careers
Current Openingsfind yourself engaged in passionate discussions about privacy policies? Are you yearning to put your expertise to work on internet neutrality legislation? If so, you might be a great f...
cdt.org
January 20, 2026 at 7:47 PM
I'm hiring a senior policy analyst/counsel for the privacy & data team at CDT!
"Inquire within"
"Inquire within"
Reposted by Travis Hall
TUNE IN NOW: CDT President & CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens is testifying before Congress at the full committee hearing on “Building an AI-Ready America.”
🎥 Watch live:
🎥 Watch live:
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM
TUNE IN NOW: CDT President & CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens is testifying before Congress at the full committee hearing on “Building an AI-Ready America.”
🎥 Watch live:
🎥 Watch live:
Reposted by Travis Hall
🚨 Tomorrow: CDT President & CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens will testify before Congress at the full committee hearing on “Building an AI-Ready America.”
⏰ Jan. 14 at 10:15 AM ET
🎥 Watch live:
⏰ Jan. 14 at 10:15 AM ET
🎥 Watch live:
Building an AI-Ready America - YouTube
About the Committee:Education and Workforce Committee Republicans are committed to fostering the best opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed...
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
🚨 Tomorrow: CDT President & CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens will testify before Congress at the full committee hearing on “Building an AI-Ready America.”
⏰ Jan. 14 at 10:15 AM ET
🎥 Watch live:
⏰ Jan. 14 at 10:15 AM ET
🎥 Watch live:
Reposted by Travis Hall
There's an internet blackout in Iran designed to silence protest and quell dissent. Again. And it shows us the potential consequences of the US government's withdrawal from international spaces - particularly the Freedom Online Coalition. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/w...
Iran Is Cut Off From Internet as Protests Calling for Regime Change Intensify
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:27 PM
There's an internet blackout in Iran designed to silence protest and quell dissent. Again. And it shows us the potential consequences of the US government's withdrawal from international spaces - particularly the Freedom Online Coalition. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/w...
Reposted by Travis Hall
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
December 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
Reposted by Travis Hall
“Trump’s executive order could cause concern among lawmakers who fear possible blowback from the administration for their efforts, said @travisrh.bsky.social, the director for state engagement at the CDT, a nonprofit that advocates for digital rights & freedom of expression.”
States will keep pushing AI laws despite Trump’s efforts to stop them • Stateline
State lawmakers of both parties say they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them.
stateline.org
December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
“Trump’s executive order could cause concern among lawmakers who fear possible blowback from the administration for their efforts, said @travisrh.bsky.social, the director for state engagement at the CDT, a nonprofit that advocates for digital rights & freedom of expression.”
Come and work with me! We're building out our state engagement team at CDT, and are looking for a Senior Policy Counsel to help fight for digital rights at the state level. cdt.org/careers/#op-...
Careers
Current Openingsfind yourself engaged in passionate discussions about privacy policies? Are you yearning to put your expertise to work on internet neutrality legislation? If so, you might be a great f...
cdt.org
December 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Come and work with me! We're building out our state engagement team at CDT, and are looking for a Senior Policy Counsel to help fight for digital rights at the state level. cdt.org/careers/#op-...
Reposted by Travis Hall
In partnership with the Wharton School, we have an awesome opening for a Knight Postdoctoral Fellow at UPenn, focused on media, censorship, marketing and tech.
Amazing supervisors, data access, a cohort of like-minded scholars, and good pay/benefits. Apply by 1/11:
infodem.upenn.edu//wharton-pos...
Amazing supervisors, data access, a cohort of like-minded scholars, and good pay/benefits. Apply by 1/11:
infodem.upenn.edu//wharton-pos...
Wharton-Postdoc - Center on Media, Technology and Democracy
infodem.upenn.edu
December 1, 2025 at 9:47 PM
In partnership with the Wharton School, we have an awesome opening for a Knight Postdoctoral Fellow at UPenn, focused on media, censorship, marketing and tech.
Amazing supervisors, data access, a cohort of like-minded scholars, and good pay/benefits. Apply by 1/11:
infodem.upenn.edu//wharton-pos...
Amazing supervisors, data access, a cohort of like-minded scholars, and good pay/benefits. Apply by 1/11:
infodem.upenn.edu//wharton-pos...
Reposted by Travis Hall
“In short, this EO is a reckless attempt to remove accountability from AI developers and deployers through threats and bluster, seeking to make up for the reality that Congress has not preempted state laws.”
The Truth about Trump’s “No Rules” AI EO
Last night, the Trump Administration released an Executive Order (EO) setting forth various directives to his administration that purport to preempt state laws regarding artificial intelligence (AI). But he cannot constitutionally preempt state laws via EO, and the substance of the EO is as a result a cobbled-together set of largely toothless directives. The Administration […]
cdt.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:41 PM
“In short, this EO is a reckless attempt to remove accountability from AI developers and deployers through threats and bluster, seeking to make up for the reality that Congress has not preempted state laws.”
Reposted by Travis Hall
The EO relies on deeply flawed mechanisms: directing DOJ to challenge state laws without clear standing, threatening to withhold broadband funding, and even re-ordering FCC actions already underway—despite Congress rejecting similar proposals.
The Truth about Trump’s “No Rules” AI EO
Last night, the Trump Administration released an Executive Order (EO) setting forth various directives to his administration that purport to preempt state laws regarding artificial intelligence (AI). But he cannot constitutionally preempt state laws via EO, and the substance of the EO is as a result a cobbled-together set of largely toothless directives. The Administration […]
cdt.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:41 PM
The EO relies on deeply flawed mechanisms: directing DOJ to challenge state laws without clear standing, threatening to withhold broadband funding, and even re-ordering FCC actions already underway—despite Congress rejecting similar proposals.
Reposted by Travis Hall
New blog from CDT’s @nullset.bsky.social, @travisrh.bsky.social, & @samircjain.bsky.social analyzes the Trump Admin’s latest AI EO which claims to preempt state AI laws—laying out a set of largely toothless directives aimed at chilling state action.
The Truth about Trump’s “No Rules” AI EO
Last night, the Trump Administration released an Executive Order (EO) setting forth various directives to his administration that purport to preempt state laws regarding artificial intelligence (AI). But he cannot constitutionally preempt state laws via EO, and the substance of the EO is as a result a cobbled-together set of largely toothless directives. The Administration […]
cdt.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:41 PM
New blog from CDT’s @nullset.bsky.social, @travisrh.bsky.social, & @samircjain.bsky.social analyzes the Trump Admin’s latest AI EO which claims to preempt state AI laws—laying out a set of largely toothless directives aimed at chilling state action.