Privacy
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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.

Vice President and Director, Center for Data Innovation
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
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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.