CDT’s Tech Talk is a podcast where we dish on tech and Internet policy, while also explaining what these policies mean to our daily lives. In this episode, we take a look at CDT’s complaint to the FTC about a VPN service that promises privacy, but is falling short of that promise. We also find out about an online resource for developers of algorithms that helps them program in ethical outcomes.
Read MoreAre we creating health management systems that are responsive to differences, or ones that spit back content riddled with historical bias and discrimination? This question has implications far beyond an individual’s health; the data generated by consumer-facing health technologies frequently ends up informing broader health practices and public health research.
Read MoreTwo years ago, CDT embarked on a project to explore what we call “digital decisions” – the use of algorithms, machine learning, big data, and automation to make decisions that impact individuals and shape society. To help mitigate harm at the design level, we have launched the first public version of our digital decisions tool.
Read MoreAs detailed in the complaint CDT filed today with the FTC, we believe Hotspot Shield Free VPN has employed unfair and deceptive trade practices. Among other concerns, the complaint details the ways in which Hotspot Shield’s marketing claims around privacy and security directly contradict its actual practices and policies. VPNs should be in the business of giving individuals a real option for confidential internet activity, and should not use deceptive claims to expose internet users to security risks or prey upon their limited ability to compare services.
Read MoreCDT’s Tech Talk is a podcast where we dish on tech and Internet policy, while also explaining what these policies mean to our daily lives. In this episode, we talk to Melissa Blaustein of Allied for Startups about how startups and policymakers can better work together. We also explore how social justice and intellectual property are related, while previewing a new legal clinic for content creators.
Read MoreCDT’s Tech Talk is a podcast where we dish on tech and Internet policy, while also explaining what these policies mean to our daily lives. In this episode, we talk to researchers from Carnegie Mellon University who looked at the privacy policies and practices of EdTech startups. We also talk about the future of autonomous vehicles, looking in-depth at a package of bills coming out of Congress aimed at creating nationwide standards to expedite deployment.
Read MoreThe House Energy and Commerce Committee is poised to introduce a package of fourteen bills that aim to spur deployment of autonomous vehicles on U.S. roadways. Legislative action is warranted, but several of the legislative proposals may have unintended consequences as policymakers grapple with the privacy and security issues posed by data-fueled autonomy.
Read MorePersonal privacy is essential to individual liberty and to our democracy. We stand with our friends in the state election community who are pushing back against these outrageous requests, and we will partner with them as they work to improve their technical capabilities to ensure the enduring success of our democratic processes.
Read MoreCDT’s Tech Talk is a podcast where we dish on tech and Internet policy, while also explaining what these policies mean to our daily lives. In this episode, we talk about the facts and fiction around Russian hacking of the US election and we share ways for you take more control of your personal cybersecurity.
Read MoreLast week, we wrote about the importance of state governments’ role in protecting consumer privacy, particularly when the federal government fails to pass (or repeals) privacy laws. Today, CDT launched its State Privacy Resource Center, a repository of materials to help state legislators and policymakers craft, support, and enforce effective privacy protections. The resources you will find here include a guide to defining technology-related terms, a state-by-state compendium of student privacy laws, and a discussion of the impact of digital technology on workplace privacy.
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