Matt Scherer
@matthewus.bsky.social
Workers' Technology Rights advocate @ Center for Democracy & Technology. Posts reflect my own views, not CDT’s.
Pinned
Matt Scherer
@matthewus.bsky.social
· May 8
The tech industry only ever has two positions on any proposed tech regulation:
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
Everything makes sense now
futurism.com/future-socie...
futurism.com/future-socie...
Tech Bros Have Been Accidentally Poisoning Themselves With Severe Brain Toxins for Years
Among the worst offenders was meal-replacement company Huel, a long-time favorite among Bay Area builders.
futurism.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Everything makes sense now
futurism.com/future-socie...
futurism.com/future-socie...
Given that genAI clearly enhances productivity in cheating and scamming but has mixed results everywhere else, there's a real possibility that genAI will actually have a net negative effect on profitability as companies are forced to invest ever-more in cybersecurity.
www.axios.com/2025/10/07/o...
www.axios.com/2025/10/07/o...
OpenAI's new Sora app and other AI video tools give scams a new edge, experts warn
Fake audio and videos are bound to make scams sound more believable as tools improve.
www.axios.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Given that genAI clearly enhances productivity in cheating and scamming but has mixed results everywhere else, there's a real possibility that genAI will actually have a net negative effect on profitability as companies are forced to invest ever-more in cybersecurity.
www.axios.com/2025/10/07/o...
www.axios.com/2025/10/07/o...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
October 1, 2025 at 2:38 PM
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
Why it matters: ADSs shape access to jobs, housing, health care & more. Yet too often, they’re opaque, error-prone, and biased—leaving consumers & workers at risk. Transparency + accountability are essential.
Bringing Transparency and Accountability to Algorithmic Decision Systems
Also authored by Grace Gedye, AI Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports Algorithmic decision systems (ADSs) increasingly determine what jobs people apply to, what apartments they can rent, what health care coverage they receive, and other major determinants of their lives and livelihoods. ADSs can speed up decision-making processes and, with proper design and oversight, can help […]
cdt.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Why it matters: ADSs shape access to jobs, housing, health care & more. Yet too often, they’re opaque, error-prone, and biased—leaving consumers & workers at risk. Transparency + accountability are essential.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
New brief from CDT’s @matthewus.bsky.social & @consumerreports.org's Grace Gedye examines state efforts to regulate algorithmic decision systems (ADSs)—spotlighting promising proposals, pitfalls, and what effective regulation must include.
Read more: cdt.org/insights/bri...
Read more: cdt.org/insights/bri...
September 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
New brief from CDT’s @matthewus.bsky.social & @consumerreports.org's Grace Gedye examines state efforts to regulate algorithmic decision systems (ADSs)—spotlighting promising proposals, pitfalls, and what effective regulation must include.
Read more: cdt.org/insights/bri...
Read more: cdt.org/insights/bri...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
California’s “No Robo Bosses Act” is a great start. And much more is needed, because many kinds of powerful institutions are using automated decision-making against us. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
Yes to California’s “No Robo Bosses Act”
California’s Governor should sign S.B. 7, a common-sense bill to end some of the harshest consequences of automated abuse at work. EFF is proud to join dozens of labor, digital rights, and other
www.eff.org
September 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
California’s “No Robo Bosses Act” is a great start. And much more is needed, because many kinds of powerful institutions are using automated decision-making against us. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
The Minnesota shooter apparently used data broker websites to find the home addresses of the people he shot and murdered.
Congress has had years to do something about data brokers and they've sided with the tech lobby over and over again.
Their inaction is deadly.
Congress has had years to do something about data brokers and they've sided with the tech lobby over and over again.
Their inaction is deadly.
June 16, 2025 at 10:56 PM
The Minnesota shooter apparently used data broker websites to find the home addresses of the people he shot and murdered.
Congress has had years to do something about data brokers and they've sided with the tech lobby over and over again.
Their inaction is deadly.
Congress has had years to do something about data brokers and they've sided with the tech lobby over and over again.
Their inaction is deadly.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
“@matthewus.bsky.social, senior policy counsel at CDT, has a more dire warning: ‘The moratorium [on state-level AI legislation] is so sweeping that it’s hard to imagine how any law that touches on AI or automated decision-making in any way could escape it.’" www.pcmag.com/news/t...
There's a Lot of AI in Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill': Here's What It Does and Why Elon Is Not a Fan
Among the more eye-catching provisions is a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations. Though xAI stands to benefit, Elon Musk says the spending bill is 'undermining' DOGE.
www.pcmag.com
May 29, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“@matthewus.bsky.social, senior policy counsel at CDT, has a more dire warning: ‘The moratorium [on state-level AI legislation] is so sweeping that it’s hard to imagine how any law that touches on AI or automated decision-making in any way could escape it.’" www.pcmag.com/news/t...
You know you've got a serious, serious brand issue when your main competitor is 11 points underwater in favorability but you're doing 10 points *worse* than they are.
thehill.com/homenews/cam...
thehill.com/homenews/cam...
May 27, 2025 at 11:18 PM
You know you've got a serious, serious brand issue when your main competitor is 11 points underwater in favorability but you're doing 10 points *worse* than they are.
thehill.com/homenews/cam...
thehill.com/homenews/cam...
It's obvious that all big LLMs have plateaued. Improvements are X steps forward/Y steps back, with X fast decreasing and Y increasing. None are close to AGI; tweaks/scaling won't get them there. The only reason none of the big developers are saying so is no one wants to be first to admit to the con.
Exclusive | Meta Is Delaying the Rollout of Its Flagship AI Model
The company’s struggle to improve the capabilities of latest AI model mirrors issues at some top AI companies.
link.axios.com
May 18, 2025 at 12:23 AM
It's obvious that all big LLMs have plateaued. Improvements are X steps forward/Y steps back, with X fast decreasing and Y increasing. None are close to AGI; tweaks/scaling won't get them there. The only reason none of the big developers are saying so is no one wants to be first to admit to the con.
This is seriously great. There has been a vacuum of moral leadership when it comes to the impact of AI on workers and their dignity. And there are a few (if any) people with a bigger moral megaphone than the Pontiff.
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/p...
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/p...
Why Pope Leo chose his name: AI, workers’ rights, new Industrial Revolution
Pope Leo also suggested that he would follow the late Pope Francis' lead on his commitment to social justice.
www.cnbc.com
May 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
This is seriously great. There has been a vacuum of moral leadership when it comes to the impact of AI on workers and their dignity. And there are a few (if any) people with a bigger moral megaphone than the Pontiff.
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/p...
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/p...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
Colorado lawmakers stood firm on AI accountability — and CDT CEO @alexreevegivens.bsky.social backed their decision to protect workers and consumers rather than gut hard-won safeguards. www.denverpost.com/2...
Live updates: Officials react to killed AI bill, hospitals-pharma fight nears end, immigrant protections finalized
With less than three days left until the Colorado legislature adjourns its regular session, lawmakers are back Monday to move several contentious bills through key votes.
www.denverpost.com
May 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Colorado lawmakers stood firm on AI accountability — and CDT CEO @alexreevegivens.bsky.social backed their decision to protect workers and consumers rather than gut hard-won safeguards. www.denverpost.com/2...
The tech industry only ever has two positions on any proposed tech regulation:
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
May 8, 2025 at 4:06 AM
The tech industry only ever has two positions on any proposed tech regulation:
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
(1) Don’t regulate us. It’s too early. Our tech is still developing.
(2) Don’t regulate us. It’s too late. Our tech is everywhere.
Tech companies are talking about the need to protect the welfare and rights of the AI models they are creating...while at the same time pushing back against any meaningful legislation to protect the welfare and rights of actual humans affected by their AI models.
www.axios.com/2025/04/29/a...
www.axios.com/2025/04/29/a...
Anthropic sparks debate over AI rights
Skeptics say we're a long way from conscious LLMs.
www.axios.com
April 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Tech companies are talking about the need to protect the welfare and rights of the AI models they are creating...while at the same time pushing back against any meaningful legislation to protect the welfare and rights of actual humans affected by their AI models.
www.axios.com/2025/04/29/a...
www.axios.com/2025/04/29/a...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
CDT’s @matthewus.bsky.social co-authored an op-ed with Ed Hawthorne & Amanda Ballantyne in the Ridgefield Press on a Connecticut bill that regulates “bossware” – software that tracks, evaluates, and makes decisions about workers. www.theridgefieldpre...
April 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
CDT’s @matthewus.bsky.social co-authored an op-ed with Ed Hawthorne & Amanda Ballantyne in the Ridgefield Press on a Connecticut bill that regulates “bossware” – software that tracks, evaluates, and makes decisions about workers. www.theridgefieldpre...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
CDT's @matthewus.bsky.social in IAPP on how policy is addressing #AI-driven hiring practices. iapp.org/news/a/how-...
How the US is handling AI-driven hiring practices
As artificial intelligence use increases and applies more to traditionally human responsibilities in hiring processes, the concerns about mistakes or bias are also rising.
iapp.org
December 10, 2024 at 5:16 PM
CDT's @matthewus.bsky.social in IAPP on how policy is addressing #AI-driven hiring practices. iapp.org/news/a/how-...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
Today, we celebrate 30 years of advancing technology and democratic values. Founded on December 6, 1994, CDT has long been at the forefront of shaping tech policy and design to protect rights, promote innovation, and ensure equity. 🎉
December 6, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Today, we celebrate 30 years of advancing technology and democratic values. Founded on December 6, 1994, CDT has long been at the forefront of shaping tech policy and design to protect rights, promote innovation, and ensure equity. 🎉
Reposted by Matt Scherer
"Water is wet. Dog bites man. Corporate interests attack consumer protections," EPIC Director of Litigation @johndavisson.bsky.social said today. "[T]he truth is that the CFPB is one of the most effective champions for the public interest anywhere in government." 1/2
epic.org/epic-stateme...
epic.org/epic-stateme...
EPIC Statement on Recent Attacks Against the CFPB
<p>“Water is wet. Dog bites man. Corporate interests attack consumer protections. Despite the tired smears recycled by critics today, the truth is that the CFPB is one of the most effective champions ...
epic.org
November 27, 2024 at 8:19 PM
"Water is wet. Dog bites man. Corporate interests attack consumer protections," EPIC Director of Litigation @johndavisson.bsky.social said today. "[T]he truth is that the CFPB is one of the most effective champions for the public interest anywhere in government." 1/2
epic.org/epic-stateme...
epic.org/epic-stateme...
Everyone deserves to have a passion as deep, intense, and long-lasting as Hubie Brown's passion for basketball.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...
November 22, 2024 at 9:33 PM
Everyone deserves to have a passion as deep, intense, and long-lasting as Hubie Brown's passion for basketball.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/593...
Check out CDT’s latest report, led by @mluria.bsky.social and also starring @arianaaboulafia.bsky.social and me, on disabled workers’ experiences with gamified hiring tests, AI scored video interviews, and other modern digitized employment assessments.
AI-powered hiring technologies are transforming recruitment, but are they inclusive? CDT’s latest report dives into the ethical and legal risks of digitized assessments, particularly their impact on disabled job applicants. cdt.org/insights/scr...
Screened Out: The Impact of Digitized Hiring Assessments on Disabled Workers
This report is also authored by Henry Claypool and Wilneida Negrón. [ PDF version ] Companies have incorporated hiring technologies, including AI-powered assessments and other automated employment decision systems (AEDSs), into various stages of the hiring process across a wide range of industries. While proponents argue that these technologies can aid in identifying suitable candidates […]
cdt.org
November 20, 2024 at 11:16 PM
Check out CDT’s latest report, led by @mluria.bsky.social and also starring @arianaaboulafia.bsky.social and me, on disabled workers’ experiences with gamified hiring tests, AI scored video interviews, and other modern digitized employment assessments.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
MUST READ: CDT's Matt Scherer pens new blog unpacking Colorado's new AI legislation, highlighting the areas where it needs to be strengthened, & pushing back against arguments suggesting that the bill is too burdensome or complex for businesses. cdt.org/insights/col...
Colorado’s Artificial Intelligence Act is a Step in the Right Direction. It Must be Strengthened, Not Weakened.
3. What Happens Nextnot-burden-small-businesses">SB 205 does not impose complex or unusual obligations and will not burden small businessesights laws-do" class="toc-anchor">2. What SB 205 Doesn’t Dousing-ai-systems-that-can-alter-the-course-of-consumers-lives-and-careers">SB 205 requires companies to do simple due diligence before marketing or using AI systems that can alter the course of consumers’ lives and careers-anchor">SB 205 ensures consumers receive basic but […]
cdt.org
May 23, 2024 at 6:31 PM
MUST READ: CDT's Matt Scherer pens new blog unpacking Colorado's new AI legislation, highlighting the areas where it needs to be strengthened, & pushing back against arguments suggesting that the bill is too burdensome or complex for businesses. cdt.org/insights/col...
Reposted by Matt Scherer
The letter urges the #CPPA to ensure its rules protect #WorkersRights and dignity, provide #transparency regarding employers' use of automated decision making, and give workers the same agency as consumers with respect to their data.
CDT Joins UC Berkeley Labor Center and Others in Letter to CPPA Urging Strong Workers' Rights and Transparency in Upcoming Rules on Automated Decisionmaking Technologies
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) joined 34 labor, civil rights, and civil society organizations in comments to the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) regarding its forthcoming rule...
cdt.org
February 29, 2024 at 7:47 PM
The letter urges the #CPPA to ensure its rules protect #WorkersRights and dignity, provide #transparency regarding employers' use of automated decision making, and give workers the same agency as consumers with respect to their data.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
CDT joined a broad coalition of #Labor, #CivilRights, and #CivilSociety organizations in comments to CPPA regarding its forthcoming rules on Automated Decision Making Technologies and Risk Assessments.
CDT Joins UC Berkeley Labor Center and Others in Letter to CPPA Urging Strong Workers' Rights and Transparency in Upcoming Rules on Automated Decisionmaking Technologies
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) joined 34 labor, civil rights, and civil society organizations in comments to the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) regarding its forthcoming rule...
cdt.org
February 29, 2024 at 7:46 PM
CDT joined a broad coalition of #Labor, #CivilRights, and #CivilSociety organizations in comments to CPPA regarding its forthcoming rules on Automated Decision Making Technologies and Risk Assessments.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
Don’t give in to privacy nihilism. Instead, share and celebrate the ways we’re winning.
Privacy Isn't Dead. Far From It.
Welcome! The fact that you’re reading this means that you probably care deeply about the issue of privacy, which warms our hearts. Unfortunately, even though you care about privacy, or perhaps
www.eff.org
February 17, 2024 at 12:23 AM
Don’t give in to privacy nihilism. Instead, share and celebrate the ways we’re winning.
Reposted by Matt Scherer
@cendemtech.bsky.social 's Senior Policy Analyst Tim Harper recently talked to @foreignpolicy.com about China’s use of #GenerativeAI in spreading #misinformation and #disinformation in Taiwan’s recent presidential election.
How China Exploited Taiwan’s Election—and What It Could Do Next
Beijing has long used its backyard as a testing ground for foreign influence operations.
foreignpolicy.com
January 25, 2024 at 4:20 PM
@cendemtech.bsky.social 's Senior Policy Analyst Tim Harper recently talked to @foreignpolicy.com about China’s use of #GenerativeAI in spreading #misinformation and #disinformation in Taiwan’s recent presidential election.