Privacy

As smart glasses become more widespread, concerns about privacy and surveillance are prompting calls for bans and new regulations. Rather than imposing technology-specific restrictions, policymakers should use existing laws to address misuse and strengthen privacy protections through comprehensive federal legislation.

At its core, the backlash against Flock has little to do with automated license plate readers. Instead, amid growing opposition to AI and federal law enforcement, Flock cameras have suffered from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Facial recognition has legitimate workplace uses, including identity verification and safety, that blanket restrictions could undermine. Policymakers should regulate how employers use biometric data rather than restrict the technologies that collect it.

Policymakers are rushing to regulate AI chatbots. But they should carefully weigh the best approaches to enable safe usage while meaningfully protecting children from harm.

Age verification isn't a silver bullet for protecting kids online. Congress' competing proposals each solve some problems while creating others, underscoring the need for a balanced national approach.

As Congress considers a national data privacy standard, the SECURE Data Act represents a significant shift from earlier proposals. This comparison examines how it differs from the American Privacy Rights Act and the American Data Privacy and Protection Act and why those differences matter for consumers, businesses, and innovation.

Waiting for the next Congress is the wrong approach. Because neither party can pass a federal privacy law without bipartisan support, lawmakers should build on the SECURE Data Act's bipartisan, state-tested framework to enact a national privacy law that protects consumers and the economy.

Age assurance should not become a default prerequisite for accessing the Internet, but it can still hold a place in a comprehensive approach to children’s online safety.

Watch now for a fireside conversation with Lucy Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Project ROCKIT, Australia's youth-driven movement against bullying and online harm. Drawing on her work with young people, schools, and technology platforms, Thomas shared insights from Australia's experience and discussed what Canadian policymakers should consider as they evaluate Bill C-34.

The UK is considering new requirements for nudity-scanning software on children's devices that would further expand its controversial online safety regime. While intended to protect children, the proposal would undermine privacy, anonymity, and free speech, and the UK should instead pursue more targeted, privacy-preserving measures.