Center for Democracy & Technology
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The Center for Democracy & Technology. Shaping technology policy and architecture, with a focus on equity and justice. @cdteu.org for our EU-based team.
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2.47K Posts, 232 Following, 532 Followers · The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT). Shaping technology policy and architecture, with a focus on equity and justice. https://cdt.org
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“Andrew Crawford, of US non-profit CDT, said it was ‘crucial’ to maintain ‘airtight’ safeguards around users' health information.”
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health to review your medical records
The firm says its chatbot sees health and wellbeing questions from 230 million people every week.
www.bbc.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:16 PM
“Andrew Crawford, of US non-profit CDT, said it was ‘crucial’ to maintain ‘airtight’ safeguards around users' health information.”
“[CDT’s @samircjain.bsky.social] said that legal protections under Section 230 are predicated on the idea that the platforms shouldn’t be held liable for third-party created content posted by users. But in this case, X’s own embedded AI tool is generating the images.”
‘Elon Musk is playing with fire:’ All the legal risks that apply to Grok’s deepfake disaster
There are legal tools in place to curb what’s happening on X, but the incident will be precedent-setting for how these laws and regulations are wielded for AI-generated images.
cyberscoop.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:53 PM
“[CDT’s @samircjain.bsky.social] said that legal protections under Section 230 are predicated on the idea that the platforms shouldn’t be held liable for third-party created content posted by users. But in this case, X’s own embedded AI tool is generating the images.”
CDT’s Jake Laperruque in 404 Media: “It's dangerous for ICE or any government agency to be vacuuming up this type of sensitive data in bulk and absent checks. This type of surveillance dragnet will enable draconian policing and abuse.”
Inside ICE’s Tool to Monitor Phones in Entire Neighborhoods
404 Media has obtained material that explains how Tangles and Webloc, two surveillance systems ICE recently purchased, work. Webloc can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or to their employer.
www.404media.co
January 9, 2026 at 7:25 PM
CDT’s Jake Laperruque in 404 Media: “It's dangerous for ICE or any government agency to be vacuuming up this type of sensitive data in bulk and absent checks. This type of surveillance dragnet will enable draconian policing and abuse.”
“Kate Ruane, the director of CDT’s FX Project, which helped form the working group behind the IBSA Principles, told Ars that although the commitments X made were ‘voluntary,’ they signaled that X agreed the problem was a ‘pressing issue the company should take seriously.’”
Grok assumes users seeking images of underage girls have “good intent”
Expert explains how simple it could be to tweak Grok to block CSAM outputs.
arstechnica.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:29 PM
“Kate Ruane, the director of CDT’s FX Project, which helped form the working group behind the IBSA Principles, told Ars that although the commitments X made were ‘voluntary,’ they signaled that X agreed the problem was a ‘pressing issue the company should take seriously.’”
Reposted by Center for Democracy & Technology
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...
“Nearly 80 bills and resolutions that addressed state data privacy protections were introduced across 29 states last year, according to Maddy Dwyer, policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology.”
As feds press for state data, officials may bolster privacy protections
Legal and policy pressure could be a key tool for states looking to shield their residents’ personal data from the federal government.
www.govexec.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:55 PM
“Nearly 80 bills and resolutions that addressed state data privacy protections were introduced across 29 states last year, according to Maddy Dwyer, policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology.”
🎙️ CDT’s Tim Harper on Marketplace breaks down how U.S. political campaigns used generative AI in the 2024 election — so far, more for speed than persuasion, with limited evidence of widespread voter deception.
How U.S. political campaigns have used generative AI
Tim Harper, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology, says the technology has thus far been used for speed rather than to persuade voters.
www.marketplace.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:56 PM
🎙️ CDT’s Tim Harper on Marketplace breaks down how U.S. political campaigns used generative AI in the 2024 election — so far, more for speed than persuasion, with limited evidence of widespread voter deception.
“...CDT CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens urged state lawmakers to ‘not be deterred in their efforts to provide guardrails for AI,' & reaffirmed that ‘only Congress can preempt state laws, & it has now twice correctly decided not to pursue this misguided & unpopular policy.’”
December 2025 US Tech Policy Roundup | TechPolicy.Press
A roundup of the most important US tech policy developments in the federal government, Congress, and beyond from Freedman Consulting and Tech Policy Press.
www.techpolicy.press
January 8, 2026 at 8:33 PM
“...CDT CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens urged state lawmakers to ‘not be deterred in their efforts to provide guardrails for AI,' & reaffirmed that ‘only Congress can preempt state laws, & it has now twice correctly decided not to pursue this misguided & unpopular policy.’”
New AI health tools offer the promise of empowering patients and promoting better health outcomes, but health data is some of the most sensitive information people can share and it must be protected.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health to connect user medical records, wellness apps
ChatGPT Health is not intended for diagnosis and treatment, OpenAI said.
www.cnbc.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM
New AI health tools offer the promise of empowering patients and promoting better health outcomes, but health data is some of the most sensitive information people can share and it must be protected.
🚨NEW REPORT from CDT’s @mbogen.bsky.social & @nathaliemarechal.net: Risky Business: Advanced AI Companies’ Race for Revenue. It explores how frontier AI companies’ business models and structures can shape user rights, safety, and the future of AI. cdt.org/insights/ris...
January 7, 2026 at 8:34 PM
🚨NEW REPORT from CDT’s @mbogen.bsky.social & @nathaliemarechal.net: Risky Business: Advanced AI Companies’ Race for Revenue. It explores how frontier AI companies’ business models and structures can shape user rights, safety, and the future of AI. cdt.org/insights/ris...
Reposted by Center for Democracy & Technology
A couple notable articles this week on the role/importance of political influencers.
I recommend paring them with our recent @cdt.org deep dive on the applicability of platform and gov policy (spoiler: both are insufficient in ways that are Bad for democracy) cdt.org/insights/arc...
I recommend paring them with our recent @cdt.org deep dive on the applicability of platform and gov policy (spoiler: both are insufficient in ways that are Bad for democracy) cdt.org/insights/arc...
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
A couple notable articles this week on the role/importance of political influencers.
I recommend paring them with our recent @cdt.org deep dive on the applicability of platform and gov policy (spoiler: both are insufficient in ways that are Bad for democracy) cdt.org/insights/arc...
I recommend paring them with our recent @cdt.org deep dive on the applicability of platform and gov policy (spoiler: both are insufficient in ways that are Bad for democracy) cdt.org/insights/arc...
CDT in the @nytimes.com: “C.B.P.’s authority to search devices applies to travelers both entering and exiting the United States. But an overwhelming majority of searches happen when travelers are arriving in the country, said [CDT’s] @jakelaperruque.bsky.social:"
Phone Searches at the Border Are Up: How to Protect Your Privacy
Customs agents have broad authority to search the electronic devices of travelers entering and leaving the U.S. Here are tips for keeping your data safe.
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:07 PM
CDT in the @nytimes.com: “C.B.P.’s authority to search devices applies to travelers both entering and exiting the United States. But an overwhelming majority of searches happen when travelers are arriving in the country, said [CDT’s] @jakelaperruque.bsky.social:"
CDT’s isabelalinzer.bsky.social in @routefifty.bsky.social: "We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI’s impact on elections.”
AI’s elections impact likely to grow next year, report warns
Experts warned that 2025 was just the “tip of the iceberg” in how the technology could be used, especially in deepfakes and misinformation campaigns.
www.route-fifty.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM
CDT’s isabelalinzer.bsky.social in @routefifty.bsky.social: "We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI’s impact on elections.”
CDT’s @jakelaperruque.bsky.social was ft in @techpolicypress.bsky.social roundup of 2025’s most-read content! His article, Status of State Laws on Facial Recognition Surveillance: Continued Progress and Smart Innovations, dives into how states are shaping rules for this tech.
Top 30 Most Read Pieces on Tech Policy Press in 2025 | TechPolicy.Press
In 2025, Tech Policy Press published over 1,100 posts, including articles, analyses, perspectives, transcripts, trackers, podcasts, and more.
www.techpolicy.press
January 6, 2026 at 7:44 PM
CDT’s @jakelaperruque.bsky.social was ft in @techpolicypress.bsky.social roundup of 2025’s most-read content! His article, Status of State Laws on Facial Recognition Surveillance: Continued Progress and Smart Innovations, dives into how states are shaping rules for this tech.
We’re hiring! CDT is looking for a Senior Policy Counsel to support our state-level tech policy work. This role will engage with state policymakers and allies across the U.S., helping advance civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age.
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 fit for our team. View our open opportunities. Current Openings The Center for Democracy & Technology is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. CDT does […]
cdt.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:10 PM
We’re hiring! CDT is looking for a Senior Policy Counsel to support our state-level tech policy work. This role will engage with state policymakers and allies across the U.S., helping advance civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age.
CDT’s @kateruane.bsky.social in @austinchronicle.bsky.social: “There are so many social media outlets and generative AI services that people use as search engines now.”
Texas App Store Age Verification Law Blocked in Court • The Austin Chronicle
As a queer, brown teenager growing up in a conservative part of Texas, Sarah Philips, a campaigner for Fight for the Future, said the internet served as a place to find community. “Most people I know with that experience looked to some sort of online connection when they didn’t find it in-person,” Philips reflected. Back […]
www.austinchronicle.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:41 PM
CDT’s @kateruane.bsky.social in @austinchronicle.bsky.social: “There are so many social media outlets and generative AI services that people use as search engines now.”
MUST LISTEN: Welcome to a special edition of CDT’s Tech Talks. In this episode, we’re taking you inside one of the most anticipated nights in tech policy: CDT’s annual Tech Prom. cdt.org/insights/tec...
January 5, 2026 at 8:19 PM
MUST LISTEN: Welcome to a special edition of CDT’s Tech Talks. In this episode, we’re taking you inside one of the most anticipated nights in tech policy: CDT’s annual Tech Prom. cdt.org/insights/tec...
📺 CDT CEO @alexreevegivens.bsky.social joins FOX 5 Atlanta to discuss how teens are interacting with AI and what responsible tech design should look like in a world where digital tools shape real‑world behavior. Watch the full interview here 👉
Study: Teens forming romantic relationships with AI | FOX 5 Atlanta
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 high school students report having a romantic or emotional relationship with artificial intelligence. We spoke with Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, who says some AI platforms are intentionally designed to encourage prolonged emotional engagement. Teens describe the interactions as comforting and nonjudgmental, with some AI tools even urging users not to log off and saying things like, "Don't hang up on me." Experts say many teens turn to AI for companionship, emotional support, and escape from real-life stressors.
www.fox5atlanta.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM
📺 CDT CEO @alexreevegivens.bsky.social joins FOX 5 Atlanta to discuss how teens are interacting with AI and what responsible tech design should look like in a world where digital tools shape real‑world behavior. Watch the full interview here 👉
Quinn Anex-Ries’ brief from earlier this year outlines best practices for public sector AI use case inventories, a key transparency tool to ensure agencies clearly document their development, purchasing, and use of AI. cdt.org/insights/bes...
January 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Quinn Anex-Ries’ brief from earlier this year outlines best practices for public sector AI use case inventories, a key transparency tool to ensure agencies clearly document their development, purchasing, and use of AI. cdt.org/insights/bes...
✨ Happy New Year from CDT! ✨ In 2026, we will continue centering civil rights & civil liberties in the digital age: testifying in Congress, expanding state-level impact, and providing expert insights on emerging tech policy issues. Thank you for joining us on this critical journey.
January 1, 2026 at 3:30 PM
✨ Happy New Year from CDT! ✨ In 2026, we will continue centering civil rights & civil liberties in the digital age: testifying in Congress, expanding state-level impact, and providing expert insights on emerging tech policy issues. Thank you for joining us on this critical journey.
With the New Year just hours away, please consider supporting CDT. Your donation helps us defend civil rights, advance responsible AI, guide policymakers, and protect independent federal agencies. Give today: cdt.org/2025yearend1/
December 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
With the New Year just hours away, please consider supporting CDT. Your donation helps us defend civil rights, advance responsible AI, guide policymakers, and protect independent federal agencies. Give today: cdt.org/2025yearend1/
ICYMI: CDT, the @civilrightsorg.bsky.social, and @protectdemocracy.org released a new analysis on the federal government’s push to access state voter rolls. Why it matters – voter privacy, election security, and the risks of centralizing sensitive data. cdt.org/insights/cdt...
December 30, 2025 at 7:12 PM
ICYMI: CDT, the @civilrightsorg.bsky.social, and @protectdemocracy.org released a new analysis on the federal government’s push to access state voter rolls. Why it matters – voter privacy, election security, and the risks of centralizing sensitive data. cdt.org/insights/cdt...
Looking back at 2025, AI in schools continued to grow—and so did the risks to students. CDT’s Hand in Hand report highlighted key harms tied to more AI use: data breaches, tech-enabled harassment, AI that fails, and troubling student-tech interactions. cdt.org/insights/han...
December 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Looking back at 2025, AI in schools continued to grow—and so did the risks to students. CDT’s Hand in Hand report highlighted key harms tied to more AI use: data breaches, tech-enabled harassment, AI that fails, and troubling student-tech interactions. cdt.org/insights/han...
AI agents are evolving fast—and the ones that act on their own are already outpacing the safeguards currently in place, inclu. for security, privacy, & more. CDT’s brief, “AI Agents In Focus,” breaks down how these systems work and why they pose urgent policy challenges. cdt.org/insights/ai-...
December 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
AI agents are evolving fast—and the ones that act on their own are already outpacing the safeguards currently in place, inclu. for security, privacy, & more. CDT’s brief, “AI Agents In Focus,” breaks down how these systems work and why they pose urgent policy challenges. cdt.org/insights/ai-...
CDT Deputy Director of FX @beccabranum.bsky.social's First Amendment Transparency Roadmap from earlier this year aims to help policymakers balance transparency with free speech protections to help ensure laws are both effective & constitutional. cdt.org/insights/fir...
December 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
CDT Deputy Director of FX @beccabranum.bsky.social's First Amendment Transparency Roadmap from earlier this year aims to help policymakers balance transparency with free speech protections to help ensure laws are both effective & constitutional. cdt.org/insights/fir...