CDT Original Research Reports Recognized by the 2024 Anthem Awards

Two 2024 Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) original research projects, “In Deep Trouble: Surfacing Tech-Powered Sexual Harassment in K-12 Schools” and “Moderating Maghrebi Arabic Content on Social Media” were recently recognized at the 4th Annual Anthem Awards for excellence in purpose & mission-driven work. “In Deep Trouble” was selected for the Bronze award in the Responsible Technology Research Projects or Publications Awareness Category. “Moderating Maghrebi Arabic Content on Social Media” won Silver in the Human & Civil Rights Research Projects or Publications Awareness Category. 

The findings from “In Deep Trouble,” authored by CDT’s Elizabeth Laird, Kristin Woelfel, and Maddy Dwyer, revealed the widespread problem of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), both real and deepfake, in U.S. K-12 public schools. The report exposed alarming trends, including data showing 15% of students say they know of AI-generated deepfake NCII involving their peers—representing 2.3 million public high-school students. Despite the profound consequences of NCII, schools are more focused on punishment than prevention and victim support. This report was designed by CDT Deputy Director of Communications, Design and Digital Timothy Hoagland.

“The alarming prevalence of tech-fueled sexual harassment in K-12 schools demands urgent attention. By amplifying student voices and uncovering the scale of AI-generated NCII, ‘In Deep Trouble’ aims to spark meaningful change in how schools address these harms—with a focus on prevention and supporting victims,” said Elizabeth Laird, CDT’s Director of Equity in Civic Technology. “On behalf of the civic technology team at CDT, I am honored that the members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences found our work important to advancing their efforts to spur societal change around the responsible use of technology.”

“Moderating Maghrebi Arabic Content on Social Media” report, published with Digital Citizenship & funded by Internet Society Foundation, is the first in CDT’s ongoing series investigating content moderation biases in the Global South. The report, authored by CDT’s Mona Elswah, investigated challenges of moderating Maghrebi Arabic dialects, including the exploration of tactics users employ to combat moderation’s shortcomings, challenges Maghrebi Arabic content moderators face, and the downfalls of a lack of representation of native speakers in developing automated moderation systems. Timothy Hoagland was the art director for this report, and Osheen Siva the designer.

“This research sheds light on the unique challenges of moderating underrepresented dialects like Maghrebi Arabic, from user tactics to moderator struggles and the critical need for native speaker representation,” said CDT’s Mona Elswah. “I’m proud of our team’s efforts to drive meaningful improvements in content moderation systems and advocate for more equitable online spaces.”

“The Winners of this year’s Anthem Awards are truly inspiring and I am honored to help elevate their impact,” said Anthem Awards General Manager, Patricia McLoughlin. “At this moment, there is a lot of uncertainty in our world, but the tireless and extraordinary efforts of the Anthem Awards community provide hope that a better tomorrow is possible. Thank you to everyone doing this work and making an impact.”The Anthem Awards, launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, honor purpose- and mission-driven work from people, companies, and organizations worldwide. This year’s Anthem Award Winners were selected from more than 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).