At Democracy Summit, Governments Must Commit to a Tech Policy Agenda Grounded in Human Rights

This op-ed, authored by CDT CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens, first appeared in Tech Policy Press on November 29, 2021.

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When the Biden administration hosts next month’s Summit for Democracy to combat the global rise of authoritarianism, the relationship between technology and democracy cannot be just one of many topics on a packed agenda. It must be part of every discussion, because issues like protecting data privacy, supporting credible election systems, limiting government surveillance, and addressing abusive online content fundamentally impact every aspect of democratic governance and human rights.

The Summit represents a high-profile opportunity for governments to underscore shared values as legislatures around the world grapple with proposals to regulate the tech industry. If they succeed, leaders will articulate a shared democratic vision that counters the “Great Firewall” of China, the Russian splinternet, and efforts by authoritarian regimes to silence dissent through internet shutdowns and by pressuring tech companies to censor opposing voices.

The vision democracies must rally behind is clear: tech governance that addresses inequality, supports healthy online civic spaces, protects users’ privacy, and addresses abusive online content while protecting human rights and the rule of law. This vision must be a welcoming one, that commits to fighting for the human rights of people around the world, no matter whether they live in a democratic regime or an authoritarian one.