Wendy H. Wong
@profwhw.bsky.social
Author of We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age (MIT). Polisci prof. Contrarian. Lover of dogs, family outfit matching, and tinned fish.
Pinned
Wendy H. Wong
@profwhw.bsky.social
· Nov 27
Balsillie Prize for Public Policy
Thoughtful debate happens when all sides are well-read. Canadian books to inspire better policy.
www.writerstrust.com
Happy news! I was honoured to receive the Balsillie Prize for my new book We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age! I am so thankful to the selection committee at Writer's Trust of Canada, and to the phenomenal Balsillie Prize finalists: Gregor Craigie, Christopher Pollon, and M.G. Vassanji 📚
💬 Reminder to save your spot for "AI and the Politics of Extraction" at UBC's Centre for Climate Justice. I'm on a panel moderated by Carol Liao, and we will be discussing the complex political and legal issues raised by AI-enabled resource extraction.
🗓️Nov. 20
🕰️2-3:30pm
📍In-Person & Zoom
🗓️Nov. 20
🕰️2-3:30pm
📍In-Person & Zoom
UBC
climatejustice.ubc.ca
November 17, 2025 at 12:02 AM
💬 Reminder to save your spot for "AI and the Politics of Extraction" at UBC's Centre for Climate Justice. I'm on a panel moderated by Carol Liao, and we will be discussing the complex political and legal issues raised by AI-enabled resource extraction.
🗓️Nov. 20
🕰️2-3:30pm
📍In-Person & Zoom
🗓️Nov. 20
🕰️2-3:30pm
📍In-Person & Zoom
This is happening Wednesday! Come join us at UBC's School of Law, where I will be arguing that we have to move beyond “monopoly” to characterize Big Tech’s outsize influence on modern society. Details about registration at the link below 🔗
On Nov 19, join Prof. Wendy H. Wong (@profwhw.bsky.social) as she explores Big Tech’s outsize influence on modern society. Join us in person at Allard Hall or online. allard.ubc.ca/about-us/eve...
Law @ UBC Distinguished Speaker Lecture with Wendy H. Wong: What Kind of Governor is Big Tech?
Professor Wendy H. Wong will be delivering this year's Law at UBC Distinguished Speaker Lecture.
allard.ubc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 11:57 PM
This is happening Wednesday! Come join us at UBC's School of Law, where I will be arguing that we have to move beyond “monopoly” to characterize Big Tech’s outsize influence on modern society. Details about registration at the link below 🔗
Really looking forward to visiting UBC's School of Law! If you're interested in Big Tech and governance, come join us on November 19 (either in-person or virtually!) 👩💻
On Nov 19, join Prof. Wendy H. Wong (@profwhw.bsky.social) as she explores Big Tech’s outsize influence on modern society. Join us in person at Allard Hall or online. allard.ubc.ca/about-us/eve...
Law @ UBC Distinguished Speaker Lecture with Wendy H. Wong: What Kind of Governor is Big Tech?
Professor Wendy H. Wong will be delivering this year's Law at UBC Distinguished Speaker Lecture.
allard.ubc.ca
November 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Really looking forward to visiting UBC's School of Law! If you're interested in Big Tech and governance, come join us on November 19 (either in-person or virtually!) 👩💻
Don't wait to sign up! I'm excited to talking about these very important issues with my fellow panelists! Yea, I'll be talking about human rights. 😉
The rapid spread of AI raises growing climate justice concerns. Join professors @naomiaklein.bsky.social, @mysdick.bsky.social, @profwhw.bsky.social, and @profhvdv.bsky.social for a hybrid panel discussion, moderated by @carolmliao.bsky.social.
Register Now: climatejustice.ubc.ca/events/event...
Register Now: climatejustice.ubc.ca/events/event...
November 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Don't wait to sign up! I'm excited to talking about these very important issues with my fellow panelists! Yea, I'll be talking about human rights. 😉
Just saw the article in NYT by @maxkasy.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o... He's absolutely 💯 right about the fact data enable AI.
It's nice to see others out there with the same core arguments I advanced in We, the Data 📘 - without data, we don't have the AI systems we have today.
It's nice to see others out there with the same core arguments I advanced in We, the Data 📘 - without data, we don't have the AI systems we have today.
Opinion | How A.I. Can Use Your Personal Data to Hurt Your Neighbor
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Just saw the article in NYT by @maxkasy.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/o... He's absolutely 💯 right about the fact data enable AI.
It's nice to see others out there with the same core arguments I advanced in We, the Data 📘 - without data, we don't have the AI systems we have today.
It's nice to see others out there with the same core arguments I advanced in We, the Data 📘 - without data, we don't have the AI systems we have today.
👻 Anything spookier than unchecked #BigTech? Come hang out with me at the @ubcokanagan.bsky.social
Faculty of Management on Halloween for #IdeaFest!
🎃 In-person event: 31-Oct 12-1pm in EME 4116. Registration not required.
#bigtech #governance #wethedata
Faculty of Management on Halloween for #IdeaFest!
🎃 In-person event: 31-Oct 12-1pm in EME 4116. Registration not required.
#bigtech #governance #wethedata
October 27, 2025 at 7:27 PM
👻 Anything spookier than unchecked #BigTech? Come hang out with me at the @ubcokanagan.bsky.social
Faculty of Management on Halloween for #IdeaFest!
🎃 In-person event: 31-Oct 12-1pm in EME 4116. Registration not required.
#bigtech #governance #wethedata
Faculty of Management on Halloween for #IdeaFest!
🎃 In-person event: 31-Oct 12-1pm in EME 4116. Registration not required.
#bigtech #governance #wethedata
On the way home from the incredible Attention: Govern or Be Governed conference hosted by @mediatechdemocracy.bsky.social @taylorowen.bsky.social spent two days listening to hard and hopeful presentations, hanging out (in person!) with Valerie Kindarji. Thank you! Great goodies to take home too :)
October 24, 2025 at 11:36 PM
On the way home from the incredible Attention: Govern or Be Governed conference hosted by @mediatechdemocracy.bsky.social @taylorowen.bsky.social spent two days listening to hard and hopeful presentations, hanging out (in person!) with Valerie Kindarji. Thank you! Great goodies to take home too :)
Valérie Kindarji and I are in the Montreal Gazette this morning arguing that #AILiteracy ought to be a priority in Canada's leap into the AI future.
montrealgazette.com/opinion/op_e...
montrealgazette.com/opinion/op_e...
Opinion: Canada's AI strategy must not leave citizens behind
For a successful leap into digital sovereignty, Canadians must gain a new kind of literacy — tailored to an information ecosystem dominated by artificial intelligence.
montrealgazette.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Valérie Kindarji and I are in the Montreal Gazette this morning arguing that #AILiteracy ought to be a priority in Canada's leap into the AI future.
montrealgazette.com/opinion/op_e...
montrealgazette.com/opinion/op_e...
Reposted by Wendy H. Wong
techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/a... yeeeeeah
Amazon's Ring to partner with Flock, a network of AI cameras used by ICE, feds, and police | TechCrunch
Agencies that use Flock can request that Ring doorbell users share footage to help with "evidence collection and investigative work."
techcrunch.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:30 AM
techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/a... yeeeeeah
📻 Recently, I had a great chat with Linda Morra from @ubishops.bsky.social
on her show, #GettingLitWithLinda. We talked about how #datafication reframes issues of consent, and why libraries are more important than ever.
▶️ Have a listen here:
#bigdata #wethedata #datafication #humanrights
on her show, #GettingLitWithLinda. We talked about how #datafication reframes issues of consent, and why libraries are more important than ever.
▶️ Have a listen here:
#bigdata #wethedata #datafication #humanrights
Digital Trespassing: Human Rights in the Digital Age-- An Interview with Dr. Wendy Wong | Getting Lit With Linda
shows.acast.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:16 PM
📻 Recently, I had a great chat with Linda Morra from @ubishops.bsky.social
on her show, #GettingLitWithLinda. We talked about how #datafication reframes issues of consent, and why libraries are more important than ever.
▶️ Have a listen here:
#bigdata #wethedata #datafication #humanrights
on her show, #GettingLitWithLinda. We talked about how #datafication reframes issues of consent, and why libraries are more important than ever.
▶️ Have a listen here:
#bigdata #wethedata #datafication #humanrights
🗣️ Calling all library workers!
I'll be talking about AI & Human Rights at the British Columbia Library Association @bcla.bsky.social!
Nov. 6 2025 @ 2-3:30pm (PT). This is a free virtual event w/ a Q&A so don't hesitate to bring your questions ☺️
Register here 👇
#humanrights #ethicalai #wethedata
I'll be talking about AI & Human Rights at the British Columbia Library Association @bcla.bsky.social!
Nov. 6 2025 @ 2-3:30pm (PT). This is a free virtual event w/ a Q&A so don't hesitate to bring your questions ☺️
Register here 👇
#humanrights #ethicalai #wethedata
Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence | BCLA
bclaconnect.ca
October 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
🗣️ Calling all library workers!
I'll be talking about AI & Human Rights at the British Columbia Library Association @bcla.bsky.social!
Nov. 6 2025 @ 2-3:30pm (PT). This is a free virtual event w/ a Q&A so don't hesitate to bring your questions ☺️
Register here 👇
#humanrights #ethicalai #wethedata
I'll be talking about AI & Human Rights at the British Columbia Library Association @bcla.bsky.social!
Nov. 6 2025 @ 2-3:30pm (PT). This is a free virtual event w/ a Q&A so don't hesitate to bring your questions ☺️
Register here 👇
#humanrights #ethicalai #wethedata
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Digital Expo is coming up on October 4. The theme is incredibly timely: Bridging the #AIDivide. I'll be speaking on a panel about #EthicalAI. Hope to see you there!
You can check out my co-panelists, and register at the link below👇
You can check out my co-panelists, and register at the link below👇
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) annual Digital Expo is coming up in October! 🍁 This year's theme: Bridging the AI Divide. I'll be on a panel discussing #ethicalAI, and how we can achieve that delicate balance between data privacy, security, and public trust.
Program and Registration here👇
Program and Registration here👇
Digital Expo 2025: Bridging the AI Divide - Access for All
Join us at the Digital Expo 2025, where tech enthusiasts will unite to explore the future of AI for all!
www.eventbrite.ca
September 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Digital Expo is coming up on October 4. The theme is incredibly timely: Bridging the #AIDivide. I'll be speaking on a panel about #EthicalAI. Hope to see you there!
You can check out my co-panelists, and register at the link below👇
You can check out my co-panelists, and register at the link below👇
I am really looking forward to speaking @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social Master of Public Policy Program on Sep. 22! I'll be talking about tech, rights, and the future of our digital lives.
Register here before Sep. 21st 👇
bit.ly/wethedata
#humanrights #wethedata #mcmasterevents
Register here before Sep. 21st 👇
bit.ly/wethedata
#humanrights #wethedata #mcmasterevents
September 17, 2025 at 7:39 PM
I am really looking forward to speaking @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social Master of Public Policy Program on Sep. 22! I'll be talking about tech, rights, and the future of our digital lives.
Register here before Sep. 21st 👇
bit.ly/wethedata
#humanrights #wethedata #mcmasterevents
Register here before Sep. 21st 👇
bit.ly/wethedata
#humanrights #wethedata #mcmasterevents
We ought to think about #AI as a #humanrights issue.
💬 Sep. 16, I will be back in Toronto to give the Frank W. Woods lecture at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Come join us! Registration and info here👇
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/we-dat...
#bigdata #humanrights #wethedata
💬 Sep. 16, I will be back in Toronto to give the Frank W. Woods lecture at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Come join us! Registration and info here👇
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/we-dat...
#bigdata #humanrights #wethedata
September 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
We ought to think about #AI as a #humanrights issue.
💬 Sep. 16, I will be back in Toronto to give the Frank W. Woods lecture at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Come join us! Registration and info here👇
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/we-dat...
#bigdata #humanrights #wethedata
💬 Sep. 16, I will be back in Toronto to give the Frank W. Woods lecture at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Come join us! Registration and info here👇
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/we-dat...
#bigdata #humanrights #wethedata
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) annual Digital Expo is coming up in October! 🍁 This year's theme: Bridging the AI Divide. I'll be on a panel discussing #ethicalAI, and how we can achieve that delicate balance between data privacy, security, and public trust.
Program and Registration here👇
Program and Registration here👇
Digital Expo 2025: Bridging the AI Divide - Access for All
Join us at the Digital Expo 2025, where tech enthusiasts will unite to explore the future of AI for all!
www.eventbrite.ca
August 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) annual Digital Expo is coming up in October! 🍁 This year's theme: Bridging the AI Divide. I'll be on a panel discussing #ethicalAI, and how we can achieve that delicate balance between data privacy, security, and public trust.
Program and Registration here👇
Program and Registration here👇
Reposted by Wendy H. Wong
Our latest #BattleRhythm with @profwhw.bsky.social and I talking about Canada/Carney's stance on Palestine and an interview with the Canadian general in charge of cyber command MG Dave Yarker cdsn.substack.com/p/episode-33...
August 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Our latest #BattleRhythm with @profwhw.bsky.social and I talking about Canada/Carney's stance on Palestine and an interview with the Canadian general in charge of cyber command MG Dave Yarker cdsn.substack.com/p/episode-33...
Jamie Duncan and I are in the @theglobeandmail.com this week! 🗞️
In this piece, we argue that Carney's ambitious plans to enhance Canada's sovereignty is a worthy goal, but requires the simultaneous consideration of several trade-offs. Have a read here 👇
#bigdata #datasovereignty #wethedata
In this piece, we argue that Carney's ambitious plans to enhance Canada's sovereignty is a worthy goal, but requires the simultaneous consideration of several trade-offs. Have a read here 👇
#bigdata #datasovereignty #wethedata
Opinion: Digital sovereignty is a means to an uncertain goal
Our government’s focus on Canada’s digital destiny is admirable, but it will require Canadians to make difficult trade-offs around our reliance on data-driven technologies
www.theglobeandmail.com
July 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Jamie Duncan and I are in the @theglobeandmail.com this week! 🗞️
In this piece, we argue that Carney's ambitious plans to enhance Canada's sovereignty is a worthy goal, but requires the simultaneous consideration of several trade-offs. Have a read here 👇
#bigdata #datasovereignty #wethedata
In this piece, we argue that Carney's ambitious plans to enhance Canada's sovereignty is a worthy goal, but requires the simultaneous consideration of several trade-offs. Have a read here 👇
#bigdata #datasovereignty #wethedata
I contributed to Critical AI’s two-part special issue, and it is now live on the @dukepress.bsky.social website! In this article, I respond to Anthropic AI’s Samuel Bowman on the matter of today’s LLMs.
🔐 For 2 weeks, this issue is open to the public:
#bigdata #humanrights
🔐 For 2 weeks, this issue is open to the public:
#bigdata #humanrights
Don't Forget That There Are People in the Data: LLMs in the Context of Human Rights | Critical AI | Duke University Press
read.dukeupress.edu
June 25, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I contributed to Critical AI’s two-part special issue, and it is now live on the @dukepress.bsky.social website! In this article, I respond to Anthropic AI’s Samuel Bowman on the matter of today’s LLMs.
🔐 For 2 weeks, this issue is open to the public:
#bigdata #humanrights
🔐 For 2 weeks, this issue is open to the public:
#bigdata #humanrights
Everyone will need to read this! 📖🤓
Great cover, even better innards. @greenprofgreen.bsky.social has no shortage of smart and zippy insights on climate change, the politics of carbon, and why we need to think about the financial assets that contribute to/mitigate global warming.
Great cover, even better innards. @greenprofgreen.bsky.social has no shortage of smart and zippy insights on climate change, the politics of carbon, and why we need to think about the financial assets that contribute to/mitigate global warming.
We have a cover!!! Thank you @profwhw.bsky.social @leahstokes.bsky.social @writingisjoy.bsky.social and @jonasnahm.com for design advice :)
Coming to bookstores in October 2025!
Coming to bookstores in October 2025!
Existential Politics
A new way to tackle the real politics of climate change through asset revaluation
press.princeton.edu
June 2, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Everyone will need to read this! 📖🤓
Great cover, even better innards. @greenprofgreen.bsky.social has no shortage of smart and zippy insights on climate change, the politics of carbon, and why we need to think about the financial assets that contribute to/mitigate global warming.
Great cover, even better innards. @greenprofgreen.bsky.social has no shortage of smart and zippy insights on climate change, the politics of carbon, and why we need to think about the financial assets that contribute to/mitigate global warming.
Reposted by Wendy H. Wong
"We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age," by @profwhw.bsky.social explores how Big Tech's data tracking undermines our humanity. The winner of the 2024 Balsillie Prize joins @spaikin.bsky.social to unpack the cost of digital surveillance.
Is Data Collection Undermining Human Rights? | The Agenda
YouTube video by TVO Today
www.youtube.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
"We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age," by @profwhw.bsky.social explores how Big Tech's data tracking undermines our humanity. The winner of the 2024 Balsillie Prize joins @spaikin.bsky.social to unpack the cost of digital surveillance.
I had a fantastic time presenting @ Re-Sounding Poetries event led by SpokenWeb SSHRC Partnership [spokenweb.ca], in collab w/ the AMP Lab.
Thank you Karis Shearer & Klara du Plessis for chairing this discussion on critical data issues & for organizing the institute.
#wethedata #spokenweb #bigdata
Thank you Karis Shearer & Klara du Plessis for chairing this discussion on critical data issues & for organizing the institute.
#wethedata #spokenweb #bigdata
May 23, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I had a fantastic time presenting @ Re-Sounding Poetries event led by SpokenWeb SSHRC Partnership [spokenweb.ca], in collab w/ the AMP Lab.
Thank you Karis Shearer & Klara du Plessis for chairing this discussion on critical data issues & for organizing the institute.
#wethedata #spokenweb #bigdata
Thank you Karis Shearer & Klara du Plessis for chairing this discussion on critical data issues & for organizing the institute.
#wethedata #spokenweb #bigdata
Thank you to Steve Paikin and to the @tvotoday.bsky.social team for having me on, I had a fantastic time working with you!
Privacy isn't dead, but it has changed, says @profwhw.bsky.social, author of "We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age." @spaikin.bsky.social speaks with the 2024 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy winner about the cost of surveillance to our humanity, tonight at 8/11pm
May 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Thank you to Steve Paikin and to the @tvotoday.bsky.social team for having me on, I had a fantastic time working with you!
Reposted by Wendy H. Wong
Congratulations to Wendy Wong @profwhw.bsky.social whose upcoming work MIRRORED STATES has been sold to Nick Garrison and Marion Garner at Penguin Canada by Martha Webb! 🎉
May 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Congratulations to Wendy Wong @profwhw.bsky.social whose upcoming work MIRRORED STATES has been sold to Nick Garrison and Marion Garner at Penguin Canada by Martha Webb! 🎉
Reposted by Wendy H. Wong
Catch Battle Rhythm co-host Dr. Wendy Wong @profwhw.bsky.social on The Agenda with Steve Paikin @tvotoday.bsky.social May 20th!
May 14, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Catch Battle Rhythm co-host Dr. Wendy Wong @profwhw.bsky.social on The Agenda with Steve Paikin @tvotoday.bsky.social May 20th!
Tonight, I'm on @tvotoday.bsky.social The Agenda w/ the brilliant Steve Paikin(tune in 8pm & 11pm ET! 📺) We chatted re: data stickiness, human rights values in the digital age, & the importance of data literacy.
➡️ www.youtube.com/theagenda
➡️ www.tvo.org/theagenda
#wethedata #bigdata #dataliteracy
➡️ www.youtube.com/theagenda
➡️ www.tvo.org/theagenda
#wethedata #bigdata #dataliteracy
May 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Tonight, I'm on @tvotoday.bsky.social The Agenda w/ the brilliant Steve Paikin(tune in 8pm & 11pm ET! 📺) We chatted re: data stickiness, human rights values in the digital age, & the importance of data literacy.
➡️ www.youtube.com/theagenda
➡️ www.tvo.org/theagenda
#wethedata #bigdata #dataliteracy
➡️ www.youtube.com/theagenda
➡️ www.tvo.org/theagenda
#wethedata #bigdata #dataliteracy