Ashley Johnson
Senior Policy Analyst
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-524-5549
Twitter: @ashleyjnsn
Ashley Johnson is a senior policy analyst at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. She researches and writes about Internet policy issues such as privacy, security, and platform regulation. She was previously at Software.org: the BSA Foundation and holds a master’s degree in security policy from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brigham Young University.
Research Areas:
Recent Publications
Three Bills Show Remaining Divisions in Attempt to Reach a Compromise on Federal Data Privacy Legislation
Congress’ top priority as it seeks to pass comprehensive data privacy legislation should be striking the right balance between protecting consumer privacy without overly complicating compliance or restricting productivity and innovation.
Upholding Texas’ Social Media Law Will Make Users Worse Off
A federal appeals court ruled on May 11, 2022, that Texas can enforce its recently enacted social media law, which prohibits social media platforms with over 50 million monthly active users in the United States from “censoring” users.
Comments to the SEC Regarding Its Proposed Rule on Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incidence Disclosure
ITIF supports SEC’s efforts to ensure publicly traded companies disclose relevant information on their cybersecurity practices and material cybersecurity incidents, which would enable investors to make more informed decisions, in line with existing SEC disclosure requirements. This type of transparency will not only help investors make more informed decisions, but it should also incentivize companies to adopt cybersecurity best practices.
Obama’s Proposed Section 230 Reforms Would Have Unintended Consequences
Blaming social media for weakening democracy globally also seems to be an incomplete portrayal that ignores many other factors at play.
The Declaration for the Future of the Internet Is an Invitation for the EU to Dictate Global Policy
It is a mistake to think that the Internet needs to be governed by one set of laws. Just as nations have different laws in the offline world, they should have different laws in the online world depending on their values, institutions, and legal traditions.
Why Antitrust Should Be off the Table for Content Moderation on Social Media Platforms
Antitrust is the wrong tool to address content moderation—and weaponizing antitrust because of animus to certain companies is simply wrong.
Spotify’s Joe Rogan Controversy Proves Content Moderation Is Bigger Than Social Media
Over the course of a few days, multiple music artists and podcasters have removed their music and podcasts from popular streaming service Spotify, protesting COVID-19 misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience.
Maryland’s Biometrics Bill Fails to Strike the Right Balance for Privacy and Innovation
As Congress drags its feet on passing federal data-privacy legislation, state and local governments will continue to try filling in the gaps without considering the potential economic impact.
Why Congress Should Pass Data Privacy Legislation in 2022
Data privacy legislation has been on the Congressional to-do list for years, but as more states consider their own comprehensive privacy laws and Europe’s privacy regulation approaches its fifth anniversary, the federal government continues to lag behind.
Banning Targeted Ads Would Sink the Internet Economy
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Tuesday introduced the Banning Surveillance Advertising Act, which would undermine one of the key pillars of the Internet economy, targeted advertising.
Proposed International Tech Alliance Offers Opportunity to Break Political Stalemate On Moderating Social Media
The White House is set to announce the details of its “Alliance for the Future of the Internet,” a proposed coalition of democratic nations charged with developing a set of principles for a secure and trusted Internet based on shared democratic values.
Recent Events and Presentations
Children’s Privacy in Review: The Future of COPPA
Join ITIF for a panel discussion on whether and how the FTC or Congress should update COPPA to protect children’s privacy while increasing the quality and quantity of online services for children.
Protecting Political Speech While Reducing Harm on Social Media
ITIF hosted a discussion on how Congress and social media platforms can balance free speech and harm reduction in the regulation and moderation of political speech online.
Removing Barriers to Accessibility on Federal Government Websites
ITIF hosted an expert panel discussion on federal government web accessibility and policy proposals for agencies to improve their compliance.
If Congress Overhauls Section 230 to Make Platforms More Liable for User Speech, What Will Change?
ITIF hosted a discussion of these issues with leading experts on intermediary liability, free speech, and content moderation to discuss the current debate surrounding Section 230 and how the debate may unfold in the coming year.
Cybersecurity in a Time of Physical Distancing
ITIF hosted a video webinar to discuss the cybersecurity risks facing workers, students, and organizations during the pandemic and how policymakers can help them become more resilient and better prepared to face future challenges.