Staff Posts Archive - Accountable Tech

Glints of Gratitude: AT’s Biggest Moments in 2024

by Robbie Dornbush,

Dec 19, 2024

In 2024, Accountable Tech had a big year of campaigns to protect kids online, amplify the real world dangers of AI, defend democracy, and safeguard the privacy of abortion seekers.

Bluesky’s the Limit

by Nicole Gill,

Dec 17, 2024

Elon Musk’s race to the bottom for social media companies may finally be turning around thanks to fresh competition from Bluesky.

The Future of Music and AI: A Conversation with Kevin Erickson

by Giliann Karon,

Dec 16, 2024

A discussion with Kevin Erickson from Future of Music Coalition about AI’s threats to musicians, the gatekeeping status of streaming platforms, and recommendations for lawmakers, regulators, and AI developers.

Why Accountable Tech is Leaving X

by Kenya Juarez,

Nov 15, 2024

Accountable Tech is leaving X, but we’re still committed to advocating for safer digital spaces elsewhere.

The Rising Threat of Deepfakes: Safeguarding Truth Ahead of the 2024 Elections

by Kenya Juarez,

Oct 18, 2024

The rise of deepfakes—AI-generated images, videos, and audio that can convincingly mislead—poses a growing threat to our democratic processes by spreading disinformation and eroding public trust. As Election Day approaches, we must hold social media platforms accountable for detecting and labeling political deepfakes to protect the integrity of our elections.

BetterHelp sold my data, and all I got was $9.72.

by Q Chaghtai,

Aug 19, 2024

Tech companies continuously turn massive profits by endlessly tracking and profiling us, determining how to keep us hooked, and then hyper-targeting us with ads.

Testing Abortion Disinformation Narratives on Google Gemini

by Aditi Ramesh,

Jul 26, 2024

We tested common disinformation narratives around abortion and reproductive health to see how bad actors could or may already be using AI to spread disinformation.

How AI is Cooking the Planet — Q&A With Michael Khoo of Friends of the Earth

by Robbie Dornbush,

Jul 08, 2024

The AI boom is using a ton of water and energy – and that is further endangering the climate.

3 Key Takeaways from the AI Aspirations Conference

by Zach Praiss,

Jun 20, 2024

Our Campaigns Director shares his thoughts and insights after attending the White House Office of Science and Technology’s conference on AI.

How well do Pharmacy Prescription Coupon Companies Actually Protect Your Data?

by Aditi Ramesh,

Jun 06, 2024

Prescription coupon apps, like GoodRx or WellRx, provide patients with digital coupons to save money on prescription medications. But how well are they protecting your personal data?

10 Moments for Aaron Sorkin to Include in the Potential Sequel to The Social Network

by Zach Praiss,

May 01, 2024

As Sorkin is rumored to be working on a new movie about Facebook, I wanted to share 10 moments he should include.

How Big Tech’s Big Price Hikes Surpass Inflation

by Zach Praiss,

Mar 22, 2024

A quick assessment of some of Big Tech’s price hikes over the past few years on their major products reveals a pattern of rising prices for consumers above the rate of inflation.

What’s up with Facebook Messenger’s end-to-end encryption?

by Kaili Lambe,

Mar 04, 2024

In December, Meta promised to soon roll out end-to-end encryption by default for all chats in Messenger and on Facebook, but three months later we’re wondering when the change will hit our accounts.

Activism and Action, Not Apologies: A January 31st Recap

by Alison Rice,

Feb 15, 2024

Mark Zuckerberg and others testified before the Senate on January 31st. But instead of accepting his apology, we mobilized.

13 Ways the EU is Reining in Big Tech

by Giliann Karon,

Dec 20, 2023

Europe has secured significant wins from Big Tech companies to protect users, competition, and democracy. American lawmakers should take note or else the rules will be written without them.

2023 was a critical year for Accountable Tech

by Robbie Dornbush,

Dec 19, 2023

This year, Accountable Tech made incredible strides to fight for the digital future we all deserve.

How Big Tech’s toxic business of surveillance advertising tracks your every move

by Kenya Juarez,

Dec 18, 2023

Big Tech companies exploit our data to micro-target ads and boost their profits. It’s a pernicious practice that has pervaded almost all parts of our lives from smart TVs and cars to credit card transactions.

5 Key Takeaways from the #ATSummit

by Zach Praiss,

Dec 13, 2023

Our team shares what we found most insightful from the first-ever Accountable Tech Summit last week.

A Look Inside Our #BlockTwitter Campaign

by Giliann Karon,

Sep 25, 2023

Why Twitter’s block button is so crucial for marginalized communities to protect themselves from targeted harassment.

Tech accountability victories through kids safety | Q&A with youth leader Zamaan Qureshi

by Alison Rice,

Aug 31, 2023

Up against a formidable foe – Big Tech – I chatted with youth leader Zamaan Qureshi about the paths to victory.

Disinformation Station Training at Netroots | Q&A with Jaya Savita Aiyer of UltraViolet

by Kenya Juarez,

Aug 11, 2023

At Netroots Nation 2023, I attended "Disinformation Station," a tech-focused training by Jaya Savita Aiyer from UltraViolet, exploring technology's role in activism and disinformation.

No Big Tech Money: Q&A with Emily Southard

by Kaili Lambe,

Aug 09, 2023

Holding Big Tech to account requires a multi-pronged strategic approach, so we were excited to see a new project launch – the No Big Tech Money Pledge, which aims to get Big Tech’s money out of politics.

Democracy vs. Artificial Intelligence

by Kenya Juarez

Jul 31, 2023

Democracy is in jeopardy particularly with the rise of AI, and platforms have a responsibility to protect democratic integrity and public trust in elections.

Addressing the Disinformation Dangers of Generative AI

by Kaili Lambe,

Jul 13, 2023

Accountable Tech’s recent comment on AI to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy outlines steps the administration can take immediately to address some of the most pressing risks posed by generative AI.

Unspooling Our Team’s Reactions to Threads

by Zach Praiss,

Jul 11, 2023

The Accountable Tech team raises questions and concerns about Meta’s new platform, Threads.

Continuing the Fight For the Age Appropriate Design Code

by Alison Rice,

Jul 05, 2023

Our Youth Initiatives Campaign Manager recaps how Accountable Tech prioritized the Age Appropriate Design Code in June.

Google is Still Collecting Health Data That’s Putting Abortion Seekers At Risk

by Aditi Ramesh,

Jun 29, 2023

Idaho’s new abortion travel ban is creating a new risk for abortion seekers, particularly as Google continues to track and store sensitive health data.

Recapping the #HeyGoogle Day of Action

by Giliann Karon,

May 11, 2023

Accountable Tech organized a day of action to call out Google’s failures to fulfill policies designed to protect abortion seekers and pressure the company to stop collecting and retaining location data.

Twitter in Turmoil

by Kaili Lambe,

Apr 18, 2023

As Elon Musk tries to woo back advertisers, troubling developments continue to make Twitter a risk for brands and an increasingly lower-quality, toxic platform for users.

Q+A with social entrepreneur Trisha Prabhu

by Alison Rice,

Mar 21, 2023

Social entrepreneur and author Trisha Prabhu talks about her app ReThink and about the importance of co-creating innovative technology to proactively create a positive digital ecosystem by design.

Commanding the Room Where It All Happens: Emma Lembke’s Senate Judiciary Hearing

by Alison Rice,

Feb 28, 2023

Youth leader Emma Lembke testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, commanding the room and demanding change. She’s helping pave the way for real social media legislation that puts kids first, and puts a check on Big Tech.

EU Ruling on Meta’s Ad Practices

by Jesse Lehrich,

Feb 07, 2023

What the EU’s landmark ruling against Meta’s surveillance advertising business means for the future of tech giants extracting users’ data.

Hey Google: Stop unnecessarily collecting and retaining user’s location data

by Ayanna Williams,

Dec 22, 2022

After the fall of Roe v. Wade, Google publicly committed to protecting user privacy, but research shows it isn’t meeting its commitments to protect the data of people seeking reproductive healthcare.

A look back on Accountable Tech’s year

by Nicole Gill,

Dec 21, 2022

2022 was a pivotal year in our fight to hold Big Tech companies accountable for the harm they cause to users and our democracy. The year included key wins that will help us move our work forward in 2023 and beyond.

Google is Normalizing Trump’s Violent Rhetoric and Threats to Democracy

by Kaili Lambe,

Oct 14, 2022

After initially blocking Trump’s Truth Social app in its Play Store because it hosted violent threats, Google is now allowing people to download the App. This is just a step toward normalizing Trump’s embrace of extremist conspiracy theories and attempts to undermine electoral integrity. With this decision, we’re looking to other Google products like YouTube to hold the line around community standards and continue to keep Trump off the platform.

Inside the Fight for the AADC | Q&A with Emi Kim of the LOG OFF Movement

by Kenya Juarez,

Sep 29, 2022

We spoke with Emi Kim, Head of Public Relations and Director of Legislative Efforts of the LOG OFF Movement, about her experience advocating for the California Age Appropriate Design Code, recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Tech(nically) Politics: The Youth Voice

by Aliza Kopans,

Sep 15, 2022

In Tech(nically) Politics’ mini-docuseries, thirty teens from around the country share their personal experiences with technology and social media and their hopes for the future of tech regulation.

Making AntitrustTok a Thing

by Kenya Juarez,

Sep 13, 2022

Accountable Tech was thrilled to have partnered with Social Currant to elevate young, diverse TikTok creators interested in supporting historic bipartisan legislation to rein in Big Tech.

Why we protested Meta at Netroots | Q&A with Brittany Williams of the Facebook Users Union

by Kenya Juarez,

Aug 26, 2022

We spoke with Brittany Williams of the Facebook Users Union about her experience helping organize a sit-in protest of Meta’s booth at Netroots Nation this past weekend.

Big Tech’s Threat to Democracy: A Recap

by Giliann Karon,

Aug 24, 2022

At Netroots Nation 2022, Accountable Tech staff attended a panel titled “Big Tech's Threat to Democracy: The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media.” Panelists included nonprofit workers and activists with deep knowledge of social media’s societal harms and organizing potential.

Tik-gram: Why is Meta so obsessed with video?

by Aditi Ramesh,

Aug 03, 2022

Big Tech continues to morph to fuel its toxic business model of surveillance advertising. It’s a race to the bottom.

Key Pillars of the DSA/DMA and Pertinent US Tech Policy Proposals

by Aditi Ramesh, Jesse Lehrich,

Jul 07, 2022

Breaking down the sweeping Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, and similar legislation in the United States.

10 Questions Twitter Employees Probably Wish They Could Ask Elon Musk

by Kaili Lambe,

Jun 16, 2022

Elon Musk is speaking at Twitter’s "All-Hands" meeting, and we know Twitter employees have a lot of questions they wish they could ask.

The American Labor Movement’s Next Frontier

by Giliann Karon,

Jun 10, 2022

As the umbrella of tech workers broadens, so do their concerns, their responsibilities, and even their power — with organizing and unionizing on the rise in the tech sector.

The EU is Rewriting the Rules of the Digital World: A Brief Background of the DSA and DMA

by Aditi Ramesh, Jesse Lehrich,

May 18, 2022

The European Union is rapidly moving forward on what promises to be the most consequential and comprehensive legislative package on platform regulation in the world.

TikTok and the War in Ukraine

by Ayanna Williams

May 10, 2022

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolded, a global audience watched the tragedy take place in real time via social media. A significant portion of the content on social media about Putin’s war on Ukraine is coming from TikTok.

3 Things to Know About the CA Age Appropriate Design Code

by Aditi Ramesh

Apr 18, 2022

As California state legislators consider the newly proposed California Age Appropriate Design Code Bill (AB 2273), here's why this bill is important for both the kids' privacy and tech accountability movements.

How to Build a Website Without Big Tech’s Surveillance Trackers

by Zach Praiss,

Apr 11, 2022

A roadmap to building or updating a website to not have third-party cookies and ad trackers that feed into Big Tech’s toxic business model of surveillance advertising.

The History of Antitrust

by Aditi Ramesh,

Apr 11, 2022

As lawmakers consider a series of new antitrust bills to hold Big Tech companies accountable, history can serve as a guide to show that antitrust regulation works.

Staff Posts

Glints of Gratitude: AT’s Biggest Moments in 2024

Bluesky’s the Limit

The Future of Music and AI: A Conversation with Kevin Erickson

Why Accountable Tech is Leaving X

The Rising Threat of Deepfakes: Safeguarding Truth Ahead of the 2024 Elections

BetterHelp sold my data, and all I got was $9.72.

Testing Abortion Disinformation Narratives on Google Gemini

How AI is Cooking the Planet — Q&A With Michael Khoo of Friends of the Earth

3 Key Takeaways from the AI Aspirations Conference

How well do Pharmacy Prescription Coupon Companies Actually Protect Your Data?

10 Moments for Aaron Sorkin to Include in the Potential Sequel to The Social Network

How Big Tech’s Big Price Hikes Surpass Inflation

What’s up with Facebook Messenger’s end-to-end encryption?

Activism and Action, Not Apologies: A January 31st Recap

13 Ways the EU is Reining in Big Tech

2023 was a critical year for Accountable Tech

How Big Tech’s toxic business of surveillance advertising tracks your every move

5 Key Takeaways from the #ATSummit

A Look Inside Our #BlockTwitter Campaign

Tech accountability victories through kids safety | Q&A with youth leader Zamaan Qureshi

Disinformation Station Training at Netroots | Q&A with Jaya Savita Aiyer of UltraViolet

No Big Tech Money: Q&A with Emily Southard

Democracy vs. Artificial Intelligence

Addressing the Disinformation Dangers of Generative AI

Unspooling Our Team’s Reactions to Threads

Continuing the Fight For the Age Appropriate Design Code

Google is Still Collecting Health Data That’s Putting Abortion Seekers At Risk

Recapping the #HeyGoogle Day of Action

Twitter in Turmoil

Q+A with social entrepreneur Trisha Prabhu

Commanding the Room Where It All Happens: Emma Lembke’s Senate Judiciary Hearing

EU Ruling on Meta’s Ad Practices

Hey Google: Stop unnecessarily collecting and retaining user’s location data

A look back on Accountable Tech’s year

Google is Normalizing Trump’s Violent Rhetoric and Threats to Democracy

Inside the Fight for the AADC | Q&A with Emi Kim of the LOG OFF Movement

Tech(nically) Politics: The Youth Voice

Making AntitrustTok a Thing

Why we protested Meta at Netroots | Q&A with Brittany Williams of the Facebook Users Union

Big Tech’s Threat to Democracy: A Recap

Tik-gram: Why is Meta so obsessed with video?

Key Pillars of the DSA/DMA and Pertinent US Tech Policy Proposals

10 Questions Twitter Employees Probably Wish They Could Ask Elon Musk

The American Labor Movement’s Next Frontier

The EU is Rewriting the Rules of the Digital World: A Brief Background of the DSA and DMA

TikTok and the War in Ukraine

3 Things to Know About the CA Age Appropriate Design Code

How to Build a Website Without Big Tech’s Surveillance Trackers

The History of Antitrust

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