DECEMBER U.S. NEWSLETTER

CDT Speaks Out Against Government Misuse of Personal Data

Since its creation, CDT’s Equity in Civic Tech team has worked with state, local, and federal government to ensure that the data collected by government in providing services is used in ways that are secure, privacy-protective, and in line with the law.

That isn’t normally headline-grabbing work … but these aren’t normal times.

In the last month, CDT has been front and center raising the alarm about the dangerous misuse of data from the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database. As we made clear in our formal comments, the SAVE system was built to help federal and state officials to determine benefits eligibility of documented non-citizens, naturalized citizens, and others. Now, the Department of Homeland Security is threatening to weaponize the system in ways that could lead to eligible voters being disenfranchised and even investigated merely for exercising their right to cast a ballot.

Along with our allies at the Leadership Conference and Protect Democracy, we published an explainer that analyzes the potential harms of using sensitive, potentially outdated information to aggressively enforce voting laws. With EPIC, we urged agencies to withdraw their attempt to use this data in a manner for which it was never intended. We’ve also worked with reporters and advocates to ensure they’re up to speed on the complicated legal and privacy issues raised by these actions.

On the state side, we’re continuing to work with civil servants to help them take practical steps to ensure that existing privacy protections are respected as this administration continues its efforts to consolidate massive amounts of information in its anti-immigration campaigns. And we’ve pushed DHS to address the serious danger of ICE’s unprecedented use of biometric data to deploy facial recognition tools.

In Case You Missed It

CDT's Kate Ruane wearing a black jacket while testifying in a hearing titled: Legislative Solutions to Protect Children and Teens Online.

— CDT’s Kate Ruane testified before Congress this month in a U.S. House Energy & Commerce hearing on “Legislative Solutions to Protect Children and Teens Online.” She urged lawmakers to address the roots of online harms, including lack of digital privacy protections, and reminded them to protect children’s right to express themselves online. She also discussed the significant privacy risks inherent to age verification and assurance technologies. Later in December, we raised similar concerns in advance of a markup of 18 bills intended to protect children online, and discussed how the GUARD Act and New York State’s SAFE for Kids Act could have a major impact on how kids and adults access information.

— In a new post, we describe how the White House’s Executive Order attempting to bar state AI legislation is inherently flawed. Given Congress’ repeated rejection of a moratorium (which we opposed), we point out that the EO is a reckless attempt to remove accountability from AI developers and deployers through threats and bluster. We also opposed the SANDBOX Act, which would allow companies to seek time-limited exemptions for their systems from federal AI governance regulations.

— In advance of a House Judiciary hearing examining potential legislative reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), CDT signed onto a letter to lawmakers highlighting four reforms critical to protecting Americans’ privacy. In a brief, we also explained why a new rule is needed to help prevent intelligence agencies from deliberately and warrantlessly accessing Americans’ private messages.

— A new brief from CDT’s AI Governance Lab provides an initial roadmap to more privacy-respecting implementations of AI memory. Without considered technical architecture, interactive AI systems may fail to protect users’ privacy and “remember” information in inappropriate contexts. Architecture that allows for more user visibility and control over information retention can help these AI systems operate as expected.

— CDT Europe analyzed key elements of the European Union’s Digital Omnibus package, noting that, while some proposed changes would facilitate cooperation between relevant authorities and define the AI Office’s enforcement powers, other proposed amendments significantly dilute fundamental rights protections. CDT Europe provided updates on the debate over the package in the latest issue of the AI Bulletin, which you can subscribe to on our website.

Graphic for CDT's podcast, entitled "CDT's Tech Talks with Europe." Hosted by Aimee Duprat-Macabies, and available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. Dark grey text and app logos, as well as light blue text on a white background.

CDT "In Person"

— CDT’s Eric Null participated in a conversation hosted by the International Association of Privacy Professionals on the current state of Federal Trade Commission privacy enforcement.

— On December 8, CDT’s Miranda Bogen participated in a panel, “Internet policy and AI governance: Connections and convergences,” at The Future of Internet in the Age of AI conference hosted by the Brookings Institution.

— Don’t miss the newest episode of our podcast, in which CDT’s Miranda Bogen and Laura Lazaro Cabrera discuss how AI governance is evolving on both sides of the Atlantic. This transatlantic Tech Talks is the first in a two-part collaboration featuring members of our U.S. and EU teams.

CDT In the Press

— CDT CEO Alexandra Givens was quoted by Bloomberg discussing the White House Executive Order on state AI laws: “The executive order is designed to chill state-level action to provide oversight and accountability for the developers and deployers of AI systems, while doing nothing to address the real and documented harms these systems create.” She added, “States that take steps to protect their residents from such harms should not be subject to threats of legal attacks.”

— CDT’s Travis Hall was also quoted on preemption of state AI laws by the New York Times: “The president cannot pre-empt state laws through an executive order, full stop,” he said. “Pre-emption is a question for Congress, which they have considered and rejected, and should continue to reject.”

— CDT’s Kate Ruane joined Taylor Lorenz’s podcast to discuss the crucial implications of proposed kids’ online safety bills for privacy and free expression on the internet.

— CDT’s Hannah Quay-de la Vallee joined Marketplace for a conversation about a CDT report finding that vendors of AI-enabled edtech don’t provide enough information about what their tools can and can’t do.

Throughout 2025, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) fought hard to protect civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. Your support enables us to advocate for responsible AI adoption and deployment, serve as a resource for lawmakers and regulators looking for commonsense solutions, and uphold free expression online. Before the new year, please consider supporting CDT with any amount that is meaningful to you.

Hannah Quay-de la Vallee wearing a jacket in front of the CDT logo.

Staff Spotlight

Hannah Quay-de la Vallee, Senior Technologist

How long have you been working in digital rights?

I have been working in digital rights explicitly for a little over seven years, but I started drifting that way in grad school, where I began to realize that you can't engineer your way out of policy problems. This led me down the garden path towards advocacy work, and now here I am!

What is your proudest moment while here at CDT?

It's hard to pinpoint a specific moment, but I think I get the best warm-fuzzies when I feel like I've managed to help someone get a handle on what feels like a complex technical issue, and given them the tools they need to advocate for their needs. Although, someone did once tell me that a workshop I ran was among the best planned they'd been too, and that was definitely a high point!

What is the best book you've read recently?

Ooh, many choices, but to name a few: The City and the City by China Miéville, Vladimir by Julia May Jonas, and The Friend by Sigrid Nunez. My sister is an English teacher, so I have a never-ending supply of book recommendations. (She also got me to read An Apprenticeship or The Book of Pleasures by Clarice Lispector, which was great but also the most work I've had to do while reading for fun in a long while.)

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. I am pro-cat too, but one of my dogs is quite opposed, so we are currently a canine-only household.

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