The Center for Democracy and Technology works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberties in the digital age. With expertise in law, technology and policy, CDT seeks practical solutions to enhance free expression, privacy and open access in global communications technologies. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new media.
Free Expression
The Internet allows one to communicate, publish and obtain an unprecedented array of information. CDT opposes government censorship and other threats to the free flow of information. Putting into practice its user empowerment vision of the Internet, CDT helped develop GetNetWise.org, a Web resource giving families ready access to tools for protecting children online.
Information Privacy
As Internet users surf the Net, they leave behind a trail of personal information that can be captured and used in ways they often can't control and don't even understand. CDT seeks to develop policy solutions and technology tools that empower users and enhance privacy online.
Electronic Surveillance and Cryptography
The Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches should extend to the Internet as well as the home. CDT supports the right to use strong encryption, opposes government design mandates that expand wiretap capabilities, and advocates for stronger legal standards controlling government monitoring to keep pace with the growing exposure of personal information.
Online Democracy
Acting as a catalyst for greater interaction between policy makers and the Internet community, CDT is helping to create new avenues for citizen participation in the democratic process. CDT's Web site, online resources and policy newsletters have become models for Internet activism.
Coalition Building
CDT believes in the power of broad coalitions. CDT organized the Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition (CIEC), a diverse group of Internet users, librarians, publishers, online service providers and civil liberties groups fighting for the future of free speech in the information age. CIEC was a successful plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court case declaring the Communications Decency Act unconstitutional.
Public Education
To educate the public about current policy issues, CDT provides user-friendly Web resources such as the "CDT Guide to Online Privacy," the "CDT Privacy Quiz," Policy Post newsletters, and an updated guide to "Legislation Affecting the Internet." Working through the Congressional Internet Caucus and the Internet Education Foundation, CDT educates Members of Congress on Internet issues.
Research and Scholarship
CDT assembled eleven of the world's leading cryptographers to examine the risks of systems that would give the government access to private encryption keys. Their report, "The Risks of Key Recovery, Key Escrow, and Trusted Third Party Encryption," proved highly influential. Another ad hoc group convened by CDT produced for the Federal Trade Commission a report on unsolicited commercial email.
Development of Technical Standards
Working through the Internet standards setting processes, CDT plays a leading role in ensuring that civil liberties values are reflected in computer code. One of these standards, the Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P), gives Net surfers greater control over their personal information. CDT promotes greater openness and public representation in ICANN, the global domain names management group, and the Internet's other technical bodies.
Advocacy in the Regulatory Process
CDT is a respected voice for Internet users at Federal agencies. CDT's efforts at the Federal Communications Commission led to a broad inquiry into the privacy risks posed by government wiretapping of packet networks. At the Federal Trade Commission, CDT is pressing for effective data privacy rights for online commerce.
Mobilizing Grassroots Participation
CDT has revolutionized civic involvement through grassroots advocacy using the Internet. The "Adopt Your Legislator" program offers netizens new opportunities to make their voices heard in Washington. The "Privacy Watchdog" encourages consumers to examine online privacy polices and communicate their opinions to e-commerce businesses. CDT's "Action" page generates informed public participation in the policy process, such as comments to the Federal Election Commission regarding political advocacy online.
Working Groups
CDT coordinates a series of working groups in the areas of online privacy, digital security, and free expression. The working groups offer a forum for communications service providers, computer hardware and software producers, content providers, consumer and privacy advocates, and other non-profits to exchange information and build consensus around balanced solutions to policy problems.
International Activism
A global medium requires global activism. CDT's efforts have included a major report on Internet free expression under human rights law, a survey of policies affecting Internet access in Central and Eastern Europe, and advocacy for broader public interest representation in the global domain names election process.