The Center for Civil Rights and Technology is a first-of-its-kind research and advocacy hub, bringing together civil society, policymakers, and the tech sector to advance understanding of opportunities and challenges from the proliferation of AI and emerging technologies. These diverse groups work relentlessly to ensure that when AI policy is formulated, they center on civil rights as a core issue. Read more about our center using the links below to our blogs.
Anniversary of AI Executive Order Renews Call for Action
It’s been a year since the AI executive order. While it was a step in the right direction for AI safeguards, we can’t allow it to be the end of the story.
Racial Disparities in Facial Recognition Technology Use in Policing: An Interview with Tawana Petty
In this discussion, a community organizer examines the real-world impacts of the use of facial recognition technology in policing.
Data Privacy and AI Safeguards Are Essential to Protect Civil Rights
Data privacy and AI safeguards are essential to prevent individuals from harm, including through biased decisions.
Privacy Rights Are Civil Rights: The Legacy of NAACP v. Alabama
The right to privacy is deeply intertwined with the civil rights movement, both past and present. Here’s how.
Building an AI Future That Is Safe for All of Us
No matter where you turn, artificial intelligence (AI) seems everywhere, including in President Biden’s March State of the Union — the first time a president has ever uttered the term during the address.
AI, Civil Rights, and the Future of Our Democracy
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights recently hosted a convening that brought together dozens of civil rights organizations, many who are working to address the impact of AI on civil and human rights. The event highlighted both concerns and opportunities associated with the current state of AI governance.
I’m a Law Student, and I’m a Recipient of the Affordable Connectivity Program
Twenty million households save $30-$75 on their monthly internet bills under the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If Congress does not extend funding before the end of this year, the program will expire in early 2024, forcing millions of people in America to choose between paying their internet bill and putting food on the table.
Why Congress Must Save the Affordable Connectivity Program
As the past three years have made clear, the importance of digital connectivity is here to stay — and access should be considered a 21st century civil and human right. Reliable internet is essential for work, education, health care, news and information, and access to critical government services and programs.
Reflections on Civil Rights and Our AI Future
Technology now shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. While technological progress can benefit everyone, many artificial intelligence (AI) tools can also carry tremendous risks for civil rights.
What’s Happening With Twitter Is a Threat to Democracy
In a catastrophic reminder of the fragility of our democracy, the U.S. Capitol was attacked by far-right extremists attempting to overturn the free, fair, and secure 2020 presidential election.
Why the FCC Should Make its Employment Data Public
Complete and disaggregated data collection is necessary to advance equity and inclusion. One source of federal data collection includes EEO-1 data, which requires employers and federal contractors to submit demographic workforce data, including data by race, ethnicity, sex, and job categories.
How the Federal Government Is Helping More People Access the Internet
“You have one hour to complete the exam. Good luck.” With this statement, the most stressful hour during midterm and final exam seasons at our respective universities began.
I Was Incarcerated. These Are the Devastating Consequences of Predatory Prison Phone Rates
The cost of a phone call from prison is often predatory and burdensome. One in three families with an incarcerated loved one goes into debt trying to maintain contact. And outrageously high phone rates make it more difficult for incarcerated people to succeed when they return home — when they are supposed to be free.
Congress Must Not Turn Its Back on America’s Families
The pandemic has taught us that we can ultimately pull through this difficult time if we do what is best for everyone. Over the past year and a half, too many families and communities across the country lost loved ones, lost jobs or access to their classrooms, and had their lives suddenly upended.
How a New Federal Program Is Helping More People Get Connected to Broadband
More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is certain: Our lives have forever changed — and daily reliance on digital connectivity is here to stay. Reliable and affordable access to the internet is essential for everything from telemedicine appointments to digital and remote learning to jobs and work training.
The Abysmal State of Media Ownership Diversity in America
Our coalition has long regarded expanding minority and female ownership in broadcasting as an important goal because meaningful protection of civil rights and advancement of key policy objectives rely in great measure on an accurate, diverse, and independent media that serves the constituencies we represent.
Affordable Broadband Service Is a Racial Equity and Public Health Priority During COVID-19
If you are reading this on your smartphone or laptop, you are fortunate to have access to internet service. More than 20 million households in the United States do not have internet service at home. The main barrier? Cost.