Public-Interest Technologists are people who understand the technology—especially computer, information, and Internet technology—that permeates all aspects of our society. People who understand that technology need to be part of public-policy discussions. We need technologists who work in the public interest. We need Public-Interest Technologists.
I think of Public-Interest Technologists as people who combine their technological expertise with a public-interest focus, either by working on tech policy, working on a tech project with a public benefit, or working as a more traditional technologist for an organization with a public-interest focus. Public-interest technology isn’t one thing; it’s many things. And not everyone likes the term. Maybe it’s not the most accurate term for what different people do, but it’s the best umbrella term that covers everyone.
—Bruce Schneier, “Public-Interest Technology Resources“
In this talk former technology journalist and longtime media executive Caroline McCarthy offers a basic overview of what makes tech policy different from all the other political issues out there, and a framework for learning about it and getting involved with elected officials.
How Americans Can Become Tech Policy Activists Read More
As technology—especially computer, information, and Internet technology—permeates all aspects of our society, people who understand that technology need to be part of public-policy discussions. We need technologists who work in the public interest. We need public-interest technologists.
Public-Interest Technology Resources Read More