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FROM CDT'S CEO  

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Friends,

As you may know, CDT’s birthday is December 6, and lately I’ve been thinking a lot about this organization’s history.

Three decades ago, our founders had the foresight to name us the Center for Democracy & Technology. It was a meaningful choice. They could have called us the Center for Privacy in Technology. Or the Center to Protect Online Expression and Access to Information. Or the Center to Defend Civil Liberties. But instead, they named us for the purpose those values serve.

CDT works to protect privacy, free expression, civil rights, and civil liberties because they are fundamental to a democratic society where people can freely and equally think, live, and thrive.

That’s never been more true than it is right now, when the role of our government and the role of technology are changing faster than ever before.

Here in Washington, D.C, we’re seeing attacks on the agencies that protect consumers, workers, and voters; unprecedented misuse of government power to jawbone companies and limit free expression; and efforts to punish individuals for engaging in constitutionally-protected speech.

At the same time, we’re witnessing remarkable advances in AI that have the potential to unleash opportunity and push forward the boundaries of science — but that also pose a very real threat to our privacy and access to information.

Together, these forceful currents are directly challenging what it means to be a citizen, a community, a nation in the decades ahead. At a time like this, CDT’s calling to protect democracy matters more than ever. 

I’m proud to say we’re rising to the challenge.

At CDT, our AI Governance Lab is a leading voice on topics like AI agents, privacy, and personalization, as well as auditing and transparency to improve accountability.

Our policy teams are defending users’ ability to access information and express themselves online, and to ensure their private communications and information are protected.

We’re conducting research and advancing best practices on some of the most pressing challenges in our field – from the use of AI in schools, to combating NCII, to the use of AI in consequential decisions that impact people’s lives and livelihoods. 

We’re helping election officials prepare for secure midterms in the face of new constraints and cutbacks. 

And we’re helping state and local governments leverage the promise of new technology with technical assistance, guidance, and support.

This work isn’t about abstract principles. It’s about whether a person can trust that their private health information will stay private, whether workers will know when AI is being used to make decisions about their hiring or promotion, whether people with disabilities can use assistive technology without sacrificing their privacy, and whether we can protect kids online while protecting privacy for adults and children alike.

I’m grateful to each and every one of you for the support you’ve provided this organization for the last three decades. 

Whether you’re a supporter, a partner, a member of our Advisory Council and Fellows program, or part of our incredible alumni community — thank you for being part of our history and the important work to come.

Here’s to another 30 years!

Alex

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