CDT Offers Trump 'Pragmatic' Privacy, Open Internet, Tech Recommendations

Advancing encryption, changing government surveillance, opposing internet censorship and pushing for comprehensive privacy legislation are some policy priorities that the Center for Democracy & Technology wants President-elect Donald Trump to adopt. CDT said Friday that it submitted a document to Trump outlining a series of technology and internet recommendations for the incoming administration. In the cover letter to Trump, CDT President Nuala O'Connor called the proposals "moderate" and "pragmatic." CDT said privacy and national security measures should include elevating encryption to bolster internet security, rejecting back doors that could weaken encryption, stopping warrantless spying on Americans and creating an environment for security researchers to find and help patch software vulnerabilities. CDT said Trump should reject policies that force companies to monitor their users, fight online censorship and protect open internet rules. Trump also should address technology that could "exacerbate inequality and lead to discrimination in automated systems" and improve data protection. Early last week, the Internet Association wrote a letter to Trump outlining industry priorities, which include privacy and security (see 1611140069).