Cato’s research on technology policy advances a vision of free minds and free markets within the information policy, information technology, and telecommunications sectors of the American economy. Cato scholars work to address the many contentious public policy concerns and debates surrounding these important sectors, including privacy, identification, data security and the information economy; regulation of traditional telecommunications, Internet network management, and electromagnetic spectrum; and intellectual property issues such as copyrights and patents.
Technology and Privacy
Featured Study
Circumventing Section 230: Product Liability Lawsuits Threaten Internet Speech
Recent product liability suits intended to circumvent Section 230’s protections contravene the statute’s purpose and threaten Americans’ access to the tools upon which they increasingly rely.
Featured Content
Deepfake Laws Risk Creating More Problems Than They Solve
Although Deepfake technology is relatively new, it is not clear that it creates unique problems. Accordingly, lawmakers and officials should proceed with caution when considering Deepfake technology. Absent careful consideration, legislation intended to prevent the malicious use of Deepfake technology could stifle its valuable uses.
Big Tech and Free Speech
Big Tech companies are regularly described as “monopolies.”
Repealing Section 230 Would Limit Americans’ Speech
Repealing Section 230 is a drastic step that would upend the internet, punishing successful firms and internet users for the behavior of an antisocial minority.
Algorithmic Bias Under the Biden Administration
Rather than ban facial recognition, lawmakers should consider making the use of facial recognition contingent on a set of policies that allow for police to use facial recognition while also protecting civil liberties.
The Sordid History of the Fairness Doctrine
It was terrible for free speech on the radio dial. We shouldn’t inflict it on the internet too.