Uncategorized

Kids Safety

ICYMI : Future of Online Kids Safety Video, Audio, Transcript

In case you missed it, we have posted the video, audio, and transcript of Thursday’s briefing on “The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon.”

The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon

SPEAKERS

– Ash Johnson, Senior Policy Manager, Information, Technology, and Innovation Foundation
– Representative, Common Sense Media
– Andrew Zack, Policy Manager, Family Online Safety Institute
– Maureen Flatley, Advisor, Stop Child Predators
– Miranda Nazarro, Tech Policy Reporter, The Hill (moderator)

LISTEN

Podcasts

Despite multiple attempts over the last several sessions, Congress has been unable to enact legislation aimed at protecting children online. What does the future look like for KOSA, COPPA 2.0, and KOSMA? What other ideas are being looked to to protect kids online? Experts will examine current legislative proposals, their potential to reshape privacy, platform accountability, and digital safety, and the future trajectory of online protections for kids.

Date: Thursday, March 13th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual
RSVP: Via Luma

WATCH YOUTUBE

PHOTOS

Click here for photos

Tech Policy 119th

ICYMI : Tech Policy in the 119th Congress Video, Audio, Transcript

In case you missed it, we have posted the video, audio, and transcript of Wednesday’s briefing on “On the Horizon: The Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress.”

On the Horizon: The Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress

SPEAKERS

– Amy Bos, Director of State and Federal Affairs, NetChoice
– Evan Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow, Foundation for American Innovation
– Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs, Public Knowledge
– Kellee Wicker, Director, Technology Policy Center, The Wilson Center (moderator)

LISTEN

Podcasts

​As the 119th Congress convenes, the landscape of technology policy is at a crossroads. Join a panel of legislative staffers as they unpack the critical issues shaping the future of tech in America. How will lawmakers address the growing influence of artificial intelligence, tackle cybersecurity threats, or expand access to broadband? Will emerging policies strike the right balance between innovation and regulation? From debates on data privacy and content moderation to the implications of AI-driven decision-making and global tech competition, our panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities ahead. They’ll also provide insights into the legislative priorities and regulatory strategies that could define the next chapter of U.S. tech policy. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on what lies on the horizon for the intersection of technology and governance.

Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2237) or Virtual
RSVP: Via Luma

WATCH YOUTUBE

PHOTOS

Click here for photos

 

AI Election Group Social Card No Live

ICYMI Video & Transcript: Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns

In case you missed it, we have posted the video, audio, and transcript of Friday’s briefing on “Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns.”

Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns

SPEAKERS

– Kara Frederick, Director, Tech Policy Center, The Heritage Foundation
– Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy, Cato Institute
– Tim Harper, Senior Policy Analyst and Project Lead, Elections and Democracy, Center for Democracy & Technology
– Oma Seddiq, Technology Policy Reporter, Bloomberg Government (moderator)

LISTEN

Podcasts

2024 was the first election since the emergence of powerful artificial intelligence models, and the dust is settling. Join a panel of election tech experts as they sift through this election cycle and explain the role AI played — or didn’t play — in candidates’ fates. Did AI influence the election? Did it sway voters, thwart interference, or amplify candidates’ voices, and what does the future of AI election tech hold for the future of democracy? From targeted ads and deepfake controversies to data-driven predictions and campaign automation, our panelists will dissect the benefits and pitfalls of AI’s influence in this election cycle. They’ll also offer insights into what we can expect in future elections, considering the potential for regulatory action and new policies that could redefine how AI interacts with democracy. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the lessons of 2024 and the future of AI in American elections.

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2237) or Virtual
RSVP: Via Luma

WATCH YOUTUBE

PHOTOS

Click here for photos

 

Video

ICYMI: Video, Audio, Transcripts from “The Shifting Of U.S. Digital Trade Policy”

In case you missed it, we have posted the video, audio, and transcript of today’s briefing on “Shifting of Digital Trade.”

SPEAKERS

– Natalie Dunleavy Campbell, Senior Director, North American Government and Regulatory Affairs, Internet Society

– Lori Wallach, Director, Rethink Trade

– Jonathan McHale, Vice President, Digital Trade, The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)

– Simon Lester, President, WorldTradeLaw.net

LISTEN

Podcasts

For decades the U.S. has championed digital trade rules guided by its ethos that an open Internet will foster freedom of expression, ecommerce, and democracy across the globe. Recently, lawmakers like Senator Warren have expressed concern that large technology companies have exerted undue influence on previous trade rules and the rules need to be reigned in. In response, US Trade Representative Tai has modified USTR’s approach and the agency has withdrawn from certain World Trade Organization (WTO) provisions related to cross-border data flows and digital trade. This shift has sparked concerns about increasing digital protectionism, the impact on international data flow regulations, and the potential erosion of the open internet.

This panel brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts in front of an audience of congressional staffers and the public to examine the implications of this policy change. Discussions will cover the potential risks of data localization, challenges to digital sovereignty, and strategies to maintain a globally connected Internet. Panelists will offer insights on balancing security and privacy concerns with the need for a free and open digital ecosystem, as well as address and advise on how the U.S. can maintain leadership in promoting innovation and protecting user rights.

Key Questions for Discussion:

  • What are the implications of the U.S. stepping back from WTO digital trade protections, and how could this influence the broader global digital trade landscape?
  • How can U.S. policymakers navigate the shift toward digital protectionism and data localization while still advocating for an open, interconnected internet?

Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: 2045 Rayburn House Office Building or Virtual

WATCH YOUTUBE

TRANSCRIPT

Download PDF Transcript

PHOTOS

Click here for photos

 

markus-spiske

RSVP: Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA): Competition Perspectives from the European Commission

Join us for our Tech Policy Recess discussion on “Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA): Competition Perspectives from the European Commission.” For this TPR discussion, we will be joined by two DMA experts from the European Commission, DG COMP Policy Director Inge Bernaerts and DG CONNECT Advisor Michael Koenig, to discuss what the DMA will mean for competition in the digital space in Europe. The DMA is a regulation of the European Union aimed at ensuring fair competition in the marketplace by accounting for large technology companies (i.e. online platforms) that are designated as “gatekeepers” due to their market power.

Our discussion is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Academy in conjunction with the Congressional Internet Caucus.

Date: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
RSVP: Via Eventbrite here

Inge Bernaerts
Policy Director
DG COMP 

Michael Koenig
Advisor
DG CONNECT

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Reps Kim and Wexton

Reps Jennifer Wexton, Young Kim To Lead House’s STEM Competition

Today, Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) appointed Representatives Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and Young Kim (CA-39) as new bipartisan leaders of the Congressional App Challenge (CAC).  As the House’s official STEM competition, the Congressional App Challenge inspires students across the country to learn about STEM education and coding. Representatives Wexton and Kim are both recognized leaders in Congress on STEM, tech, and next generation workforce issues.

Reps Jennifer Wexton, Young Kim To Lead House’s STEM Competition

“The Congressional App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for middle and high schoolers to get engaged with the world of coding and have their hard work put on display for the entire country,” said Representative Jennifer Wexton. “I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge and build on its wonderful work to bring STEM and computer science to young people in every community across the country. I can’t wait to see the amazing creations that students come up with, and I encourage anyone who is interested — regardless of your skill level — to give it a shot and try your hand at this year’s App Challenge.”

“The Congressional App Challenge has served as a fun and innovative way for students to be exposed to computer science and coding concepts, which in turn helps create opportunities for all students, grow our workforce, strengthen our future economy and boost U.S. competitiveness abroad. This is more important than ever as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Representative Young Kim. “I’m proud to support the Congressional App Challenge and serve as a co-chair of this year’s competition. I look forward to seeing the apps created by talented students across California’s 39th District and the nation, and I’ll continue to do all I can to support educational opportunities for our students.” 

“Representatives Wexton and Kim exemplify the future of the App Challenge,” said Program Director Joe Alessi. “As we come out of the pandemic, the App Challenge is poised to have its biggest year yet. With a focus on equity, diverse student representation, and bipartisanship, we couldn’t be more excited about the appointment of co-chairs that share our vision. Rep. Wexton and Rep. Kim’s leadership will help the App Challenge reach more students from across the nation than ever before.”

Registration for the 2021 Congressional App Challenge has begun, and students can register now using this link. Our new co-chairs look forward to seeing the innovative and outstanding apps that students around the nation create!

Diversity at SOTN

Diversity At State of the Net 2021

Two weeks ago we were thrilled to convene the Internet stakeholder community at the 17th annual State of the Net Conference, the nation’s most prominent Internet policy summit.

Speakers at SOTN reflect different perspectives on Internet policy issues. We have long curated the program to highlight differences of opinion among experts from across the spectrum of industry, government, academia, and civil society. Yet, over those 17 years the speakers at SOTN have not always sufficiently represented women and communities of color. Over the course of our 25 year history, those voices have been woefully underrepresented in Internet policy conversations.

We have made strides over the years to bring more diverse voices to the table at State of the Net. We’ve made great progress in some areas and have made incremental improvements in others. In other areas, we haven’t made much of a dent and we need to do better. In the interest of accountability, we’re publishing the below stats regarding speaker diversity at #SOTN2021.*

Diversity At State of the Net 2021
Diversity At State of the Net 2021
Diversity At State of the Net 2021
Diversity At State of the Net 2021

There is always room for improvement and will work harder. We will also continue our work to create a pipeline for talented Internet policy practitioners of color through the Internet Law & Policy Foundry. The Foundry, which we launched six years ago, is a professional development platform for early career professionals passionate about Internet law and policy. Diversity is a major goal in the Foundry admissions criteria for incoming fellows. We will also continue to inspire students of color to pursue careers in computer science and STEM through the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Through the House’s official computer science competition for middle and high school students, which we administer, we work to ensure that student participation in the CAC reflects the diversity of the American people. (See impact/diversity).

* BIPOC Defined.
** Our survey of speakers at SOTN was passive. Our data is not a reflection speakers’ attestation of identity.  

Agenda, Video
SOTN 2021 is over. Here are links to the program agenda, speakers, videos.

Eshoo Collins Resolution

Reps Eshoo & Collins Celebrate The 50 Years Of The Internet On House Floor

Today the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus, Representatives Anna G. Eshoo and Doug Collins, introduced a resolution on the House Floor commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Internet. The resolution “recognizes the first message sent from one computer to another using the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)” and “honors the contributions of researchers, universities, government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies in the development of the Internet.”

“For the past 50 years, the Internet has continually revolutionized how Americans live, learn, work, and connect with one another,” Eshoo said. “Our resolution commemorates the American ingenuity that led to the Internet and the key role the federal government played in its development. I’m especially proud of the pivotal role that the Stanford Research Institute, which is in my District, played in the Internet’s foundation, receiving the first digital data transmission on the ARPANET, a pioneering predecessor to the modern Internet. I look forward to the next 50 years of Internet innovation and the bold inventions yet unimagined.”

“The invention of the Internet has completely transformed every aspect of our lives, opening the door to countless opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Collins. “As co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus, I’m proud to join Rep. Eshoo in commemorating the first message sent on the ARPANET and recognizing the many individuals who contributed to this revolutionary invention. As we look ahead to the future of the Internet, I’m committed to ensuring more and more communities gain access to this critical resource, which has quickly become a pre-requisite for economic growth here in America.”

The full text of the resolution can be found in its entirety here.

Reps Eshoo & Collins Celebrate The 50 Years Of The Internet On House Floor
47869833751_2437a36805_o-1024x683-650x650

The Congressional App Challenge Celebrates Another Successful Launch

On Monday July 8th, the House of Representatives launched the 2019 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for its 5th consecutive year. As the CAC is district-specific, students compete against other students from their congressional district to be named their district\’s Congressional App Challenge winner. After the Challenge\’s completion, the winners from each district are welcomed to #HouseOfCode to meet their Congress Member and celebrate the future of American tech talent.

The Challenge is open to all middle and high school students residing or attending school in a district whose Member of Congress is hosting an App Challenge. In 2019, Over 275 Members of Congress are hosting App Challenges in their respective districts. Of the Freshman Congress Members, 75% are hosting a Challenge in their district. Students with or without coding experience are welcome! In fact, 44% of students who competed in the 2018 Challenge were beginners.

Interested in taking the Challenge? Remember, the application portal closes November 1st!

The CAC is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, managed by the Internet Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Want to know if your Congress Member’s district is hosting an App Challenge? Click here! Not sure who your Congress Member is? Click here!

The Congressional App Challenge is supported by private-sector organizations that share a commitment to creating a diverse pipeline of computer science talent. These organizations make it possible for the Challenge to reach students from across the nation and spread computer science education to all.

The Congressional App Challenge Celebrates Another Successful Launch
Rep Doug Collins

Rep. Eshoo Announces Rep. Doug Collins as Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus

June 18, 2019 – Today, Representative Anna G. Eshoo announced Representative Doug Collins as House co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus. Congressman Collins succeeds Congressman Bob Goodlatte as the Congressional Internet Caucus co-chair. Representative Collins serves as the House Judiciary Committee’s Ranking Member and represents the ninth district of Georgia.

Several extremely prescient Members of Congress founded the Congressional Internet Caucus in 1996 to address the knowledge gap among House and Senate Members regarding the nascent Internet. Almost a quarter of a century later, the mission of the Caucus — to educate other Members about Internet technology and its implications — remains even more critical today.

The bipartisan Congressional Internet Caucus remains among the most prominent and active caucuses on Capitol Hill. The Caucus is chaired by Senators John Thune and Patrick Leahy on the Senate side. Representative Anna G. Eshoo and Senator Leahy are founding Members of the Caucus.

In addition to its educational program for Members and Congressional staff, the Congressional Internet Caucus created the Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge encourages middle and high school students to compete in district-wide coding competitions. It has become the most prestigious computer science award for students.

The Congressional Internet Caucus Academy applauds the appointment of Congressman Collins as the House Caucus co-chair. He is among the most respected and active Members in Congress.

About The Congressional Internet Caucus Academy
The Congressional Internet Caucus Academy (CICA) is a part of a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The CICA takes no positions on legislation or regulation. Rather, it is a neutral platform where thought leaders debate important technology issues that shape legislative and administration policy in an open forum. We vigilantly adhere to our mission to curate balanced and dynamic debates among Internet stakeholders. Our volunteer board members ensure that we dutifully execute that mission. More information on the CICA is available at www.netcaucus.org.

1 2 3
Back to top