ITIF “Tech Support Series”
What Is Tech Support?
Lawmakers are searching for answers to a slew of pressing tech-policy questions in the 116th Congress: How can we ensure data privacy for consumers while promoting innovation in the digital economy? How can we settle the ongoing net neutrality debate? To what extent should Internet companies be responsible for policing content on their platforms? And more.
It is against this backdrop that ITIF is hosting a monthly series of “Tech Support” seminars to provide ITIF’s expert analysis and perspective for Hill staffers to better understand the most important tech policy issues of the day and identify potential solutions. Future sessions will cover topics such as those mentioned here, plus others suggested by participants.
This event is organized in accordance with House and Senate ethics rules.
Upcoming Topics and Sessions:
- Antitrust and Global Competitiveness
- Decrypting the Encryption Debate
- 5G and Spectrum
Have a topic you'd like to learn more about? Please send suggestions to Rachel Trello at [email protected].
Past Sessions:
February 2020: Exploring Top Innovation Priorities for Clean Energy
Thursday, February 20, 2020 in HVC-200
ITIF Senior Policy Analyst, Colin Cunliff, and Third Way Senior Clean Energy Policy Advisor, Lindsay Walter, will discuss the role of clean energy innovation in addressing the climate challenge, fostering economic growth, and strengthening national security. They will discuss legislation under consideration with the potential to accelerate energy innovation and explore the path forward in the 116th Congress and beyond.
December 2019: Facial Recognition
Friday, December 6, 2019 in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539
ITIF Research Analyst, Michael McLaughlin and Rank One Computing’s COO and General Counsel, David S. Ray, explained how facial recognition technology works, its potential applications, and how facial recognition differs from other related technologies. They then discussed actions policymakers can take to promote the responsible use of the technology and briefly evaluate proposed or enacted legislative actions at the local, state, and federal level.
October 2019: What's the Deal with the Green New Deal?
Friday, October 4, 2019 in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539
ITIF Senior Fellow David Hart and Senior Policy Analyst Colin Cunliff explained what the Green New Deal is (an aspirational vision for climate and social policy) and what it’s not (a detailed set of policies). They also contrasted its approach with others (such as the “Green Real Deal”) and briefly set forth major lines of legislative action that have the potential to advance relevant climate and energy policies. They were joined by Third Way's Senior Policy Advisor for the Clean Energy Program, Lindsey Walter.
September 2019: Exploring the USMCA
Friday, September 6, 2019 in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539
ITIF Vice President for Global Innovation Policy Stephen Ezell provided an overview of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement, including key IP and market-access provisions impacting advanced technology industries such as life sciences, Internet and ICT, and advanced manufacturing. He was joined by Cody Ankney from the Information Technology and Innovation Council.
July 2019: Unpacking Privacy
Friday, July 12, 2019 in Capitol Visitor Center, H-139
ITIF Senior Policy Analyst Alan McQuinn provided an overview of privacy legislative efforts at the federal and state level and discussed the various elements that could be included in federal legislation.
June 2019: Next Steps for Net Neutrality
Friday, June 7, 2019 in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539
ITIF Director for Broadband and Spectrum Policy Doug Brake provided an overview of the net neutrality debate, discussed what we can expect from the courts in coming months, and outlined potential next steps for Congress.
May 2019: Breaking Up Big Tech
Friday, May 3, 2019 in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539
ITIF President Robert Atkinson provided an overview of the issues driving recent calls to break up tech companies and explored the interplay between antitrust enforcement and innovation. He was joined by Alec Stapp from the International Center for Law and Economics.
Questions?
Please email ITIF's Event Coordinator, Rachel Trello at [email protected] for any questions regarding “Tech Support.”
About ITIF
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute focusing on the intersection of technological innovation and public policy. Recognized as the world’s leading science and technology think tank, ITIF’s mission is to formulate and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress. For more information, please visit us at www.itif.org or reply to this email.
This event is organized in accordance with House and Senate ethics rules.
