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Privacy

As every sector of the global economy and nearly every facet of modern society undergo digital transformation, ITIF advocates for policies that spur not just the development of IT innovations, but more importantly their adoption and use throughout the economy. ITIF's work focuses on protecting people’s privacy and safeguarding personal information without stifling the innovation and commerce needed to drive a robust Internet ecosystem.

Ayesha Bhatti
Ayesha Bhatti

Head of Digital Policy, UK & EU

Center for Data Innovation

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Daniel Castro
Daniel Castro

Vice President and Director, Center for Data Innovation

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

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Ash Johnson
Ash Johnson

Senior Policy Manager

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

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Featured

How to Improve the American Privacy Rights Act

How to Improve the American Privacy Rights Act

America desperately needs a federal privacy law—but it needs the right federal privacy law. In its current state, APRA is not that law. But with a few important changes, it could be.

Maintaining a Light-Touch Approach to Data Protection in the United States

Maintaining a Light-Touch Approach to Data Protection in the United States

Data privacy regulations impose significant costs on businesses and the economy. Effective, targeted federal legislation would address actual privacy harms while reducing costs that hinder productivity and innovation.

The Looming Cost of a Patchwork of State Privacy Laws

The Looming Cost of a Patchwork of State Privacy Laws

In the absence of a federal privacy law, a growing patchwork of state laws burdens companies with multiple, duplicative compliance costs. The out-of-state costs from 50 such laws could exceed $1 trillion over 10 years, with at least $200 billion hitting small businesses.

More Publications and Events

June 20, 2025|Blogs

German State Prioritizes Politics Over Practical Technology Solutions

Schleswig-Holstein’s move to drop Microsoft for open-source tools reflects costly digital protectionism driven by politics, not practicality. EU governments should focus on evidence-based tech procurement over nationalist agendas.

June 17, 2025|Blogs

No, Social Media is Not Porn

France may label certain social media platforms as porn sites to enforce age checks, a move that misrepresents platform use and raises privacy, free speech, and regulatory concerns.

June 16, 2025|Blogs

Fact of the Week: Data Flow and Data Storage Prohibitions Could Have Sizeable Impact on Global GDP

When local data storage regulations are open or with pre-authorized safeguards, global exports are expected to rise by 3.6 percent and global gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to increase by 1.77 percent. When regulations are more stringent against different geopolitical blocs, global exports are expected to decline by 1.76 percent while GDP is expected to fall by 0.94 percent. Regulations that prohibit the flow of data also have a sizable impact with exports declining by 8.45 percent and GDP declining by 4.53 percent.

May 9, 2025|Commentary

China’s “Minor Mode”: Blueprint or Cautionary Tale?

China’s new “minor mode” gives parents customizable tools to manage children’s online activity—offering a rare, less-restrictive model within China’s otherwise authoritarian digital policy that the U.S. can draw from while maintaining democratic values.

April 9, 2025|Testimonies & Filings

Comments Before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Regarding Data Privacy

A reasonable compromise on federal data privacy should protect and promote innovation by minimizing compliance costs and restrictions on data use, as well as address concrete privacy harms, improve transparency requirements, and strengthen oversight and enforcement.

April 8, 2025|Blogs

Protect Data Without Undermining Its Value

Congress should craft federal privacy legislation that protects consumers without undermining the responsible use of data that drives innovation, supports small businesses, and fuels economic growth. A balanced approach—emphasizing clear rules, transparency, and compliance over punitive enforcement—will safeguard privacy while preserving data’s value to society.

March 13, 2025|Presentations

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

Ash Johnson speaks about children's online safety at an event hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Academy.

February 28, 2025|Blogs

New FTC COPPA Rule Update Does Little for Parents to Protect Children Online

There is still time to adjust the COPPA Rule to better protect children and empower parents without imposing unnecessary burdens on businesses and users.

February 13, 2025|Blogs

Salt Typhoon Exposes US Cyber Vulnerabilities

To strengthen U.S. cybersecurity leadership and effectively counter cyber threats, the administration should enhance interagency coordination with a central cybercrime database, collaborate with the private sector to address cybersecurity gaps in critical infrastructure, standardize data breach reporting, and build international coalitions for global cyber norms.

February 6, 2025|Blogs

The Kids Off Social Media Act Misses the Mark on Children’s Online Safety

Senators reintroduced the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which has many flaws, namely that it complicates compliance for platforms that already disallow children below age 13 and limits users’ ability to fully customize their online experience.

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