From CDT CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens:
Hello Tech Prom! It’s so nice to see you here this evening.
It’s a time of significant change in Washington, with tumult and uncertainty ahead. But this event, which brings together advocates, companies, researchers and government leaders from across the tech policy spectrum, shows how a community can come together to navigate times of change.
In the current political climate, it’s easy to focus on division – and there will be times for dissent ahead. But CDT has always focused on bringing people together to advance a future that works for everyone. Today – this week – as we think about the work ahead, we’re driven to continue our work with all of you.
The past year has shown the impact we can have in shaping how technology affects people’s daily lives.
Together, we’re working to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a way that advances responsible innovation – sharing best practices for transparency, testing and guardrails that result in products that people can use and trust.
We’ve supported guidance for federal and state government agencies to act with care and accountability when adopting AI tools, enabling them to embrace innovation while ensuring they serve the American people fairly and effectively.
Critically, we’ve fought for the people most impacted by new technologies to gain a seat at the table in how tech is governed and used: from workers ensuring the fair and accountable use of technology in the workplace, to consumers facing AI-generated scams and fraud, to survivor groups countering the scourge of image-based sexual abuse.
At CDT, we push ourselves not only to identify problems, but to advance actionable solutions. Our teams focused on consumer privacy, online trust & safety, and free expression are working with companies to design better products and policies – and with policymakers to craft rules that foster innovation while protecting people’s rights.
As new technologies give governments in the U.S. and around the world unprecedented power to access people’s personal information and track their conduct, we’re fighting for legal safeguards that uphold the rule of law and respect people’s fundamental freedoms.
Meanwhile, in this global year of elections – when billions of voters went to polls around the world – we brought nonpartisan technical expertise to election officials, tech companies, and the broader public in support of fair, informed, and secure elections.
Every day, we’re fighting to make sure technology works for people – for me, for you, and for ordinary people everywhere.
We’ve also expanded and deepened our reach. In Brussels, our EU team is playing a critical role in the implementation of the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, advising policymakers, shaping implementation, and working closely with experts across companies and civil society. In the U.S., we’re supporting the swell of interest in tech policy across different States, advising on issues ranging from privacy, to kids safety, to AI.
Which brings me to the work to come.
As we transition to a new administration, our country faces uncertainty about the path that lies ahead. But the work and values that have always driven CDT remain unchanged.
We’re here because we believe that technology should be a force for making people’s lives better. We believe in safeguarding Constitutional values; in standing up for people’s rights when they’re in danger; and in advancing an affirmative vision where technology strengthens the fabric of our society and our democracy.
The perspectives in this room tonight are diverse and varied, but we know you’re committed to this work as well. You’re committed to the vision of technology as a tool that connects and empowers people. A force that works for people – sparking joy and innovation while respecting people’s rights. That’s the future we’re working towards today and every day, and we hope you’re with us in that crucial work ahead.
Thank you for being here tonight, and a special thank you to the sponsors, partners and allies who make our work possible. The funds raised at Tech Prom fuel our work throughout the year.
Amazingly, we are just $7,000 dollars short of tonight’s million-dollar goal — we’re this close! So if you came here as a guest tonight, if you’re moved to help support us at this crucial time — please consider a donation through the cards on the tables.
We’re proud and honored to do this work with all of you. Back to the evening. Thank you!
This post was originally published on here
