Digital Policy Viewpoints

Navigating the intersection of technology, ethics, and society through an environmental view caring deeply about the impact of land use, resource consumption, children's interactions with unregulated AI, and surveillance.

As someone who cares deeply for the planet yet loves the internet and understands the power our digital world, I believe we have a responsibility to advocate for thoughtful AI governance that protects human autonomy and the environment.

Core Principles

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Privacy by Design

AI systems should be built with privacy protections from the ground up, not as an afterthought. Personal data sovereignty must remain with individuals.

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Algorithmic Accountability

Organizations deploying AI systems must be transparent about their decision-making processes and held accountable for biased or harmful outcomes.

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Human Oversight

Avoiding the third wave of Eugenics by ensuring AI systems are designed by diverse teams with proper credit given to all contributors.

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Digital Rights

AI governance should strengthen, not undermine, existing digital rights including freedom of expression and the right to privacy.

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Anti-Censorship of Queer Content

AI content moderation systems must not over-censor LGBTQ+ content. Algorithms should be trained to distinguish between harmful content and legitimate queer expression, education, and community building.

Policy Positions

AI Training Data and Consent

The current practice of training AI models on copyrighted content and personal data without explicit consent represents a fundamental violation of intellectual property rights and privacy. I support:

  • Requiring explicit opt-in consent for using personal data in AI training
  • Establishing clear licensing frameworks for copyrighted content used in training
  • Creating compensation mechanisms for content creators whose work powers AI systems
  • Mandating disclosure of training data sources and methodologies

Section 230 and AI-Generated Content

As AI-generated content becomes ubiquitous, we need thoughtful approaches that preserve Section 230 protections while addressing new challenges:

  • Maintaining platform immunity for user-generated content, including AI-assisted content
  • Requiring clear labeling of AI-generated content without censoring it
  • Distinguishing between human expression aided by AI tools and fully automated content
  • Preserving the open internet while combating malicious uses of AI

Facial Recognition and Surveillance

The widespread deployment of facial recognition technology to police has caused new threats to privacy and civil liberties:

  • Supporting moratoriums on government use of facial recognition in public spaces
  • Requiring judicial warrants for law enforcement use of biometric identification
  • Banning facial recognition in schools and healthcare settings
  • Mandating opt-in consent for commercial facial recognition applications

AI in Healthcare

Healthcare AI presents both tremendous opportunities and significant risks that require careful regulation:

  • Establishing rigorous testing and validation requirements for medical AI
  • Ensuring healthcare AI doesn't exacerbate existing health disparities
  • Protecting patient data used in AI development through enhanced privacy standards
  • Maintaining physician oversight and final decision-making authority

Algorithmic Transparency in Hiring

AI-driven hiring and employment decisions require special protections to prevent discrimination:

  • Mandating algorithmic audits for AI systems used in hiring and promotion
  • Requiring disclosure when AI is used in employment decisions
  • Establishing worker rights to explanation and appeal of AI-driven decisions
  • Prohibiting AI hiring systems that haven't been tested for bias

Regulatory Philosophy

Principles-Based, Not Prescriptive

Rather than attempting to regulate specific AI technologies, which evolve rapidly, policy should focus on establishing clear principles around accountability, transparency, and human rights that can adapt to technological change.

Risk-Based Frameworks

Regulation should be proportional to risk. High-stakes applications like healthcare, criminal justice, and financial services warrant stricter oversight than consumer applications with lower risk profiles.

Multi-Stakeholder Governance

Effective AI governance requires input from technologists, ethicists, civil rights advocates, affected communities, and domain experts—not just industry and government.

International Coordination

AI challenges transcend borders. The US should work with allies to establish shared principles while avoiding a "race to the bottom" in AI governance standards.

Recommended Reading

Data Feminism book cover

Data Feminism

Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren Klein's essential framework for examining how data science can be more equitable and just. Explores how to do data science in ways that challenge power and promote social justice.

Data Feminism
The Digital Closet book cover

The Digital Closet

Alexander Monea's critical examination of how digital technologies impact LGBTQ+ communities. Explores surveillance, privacy, and the complex relationship between technology and queer identity.

The Digital Closet
Safiya Umoja Noble's work

Safiya Umoja Noble's work

Safiya Umoja Noble's groundbreaking investigation into how search algorithms reinforce racism and bias is essential reading on how seemingly neutral technologies perpetuate systemic oppression.

Algorithms of Oppression

Academic Research

First Monday - Special Issue on AI Ethics

Peer-reviewed academic journal featuring cutting-edge research on artificial intelligence ethics, policy, and societal implications

Read Articles

Organizations & Resources

Algorithmic Justice League

Research and advocacy on algorithmic bias and AI accountability

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Partnership on AI

Multi-stakeholder research and policy development on AI's societal impacts

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AI Now Institute

Research institute studying the social implications of artificial intelligence

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Center for AI Safety

Research and advocacy focused on reducing risks from advanced AI systems

Visit Site