itif

1:01 am on June 30, 2026 · 2026 (253), age verification (4), canada (26), itif (9), online safety (29), social media (17)

WEBINAR 7 JUL 23:30 UTC – ITIF – Lessons For Canada from Australia’s Social Media Ban

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Blue promotional graphic from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness. The ITIF logo appears at top left and the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness logo at top right. Large white text across the center reads: “Lessons For Canada from Australia’s Social Media Ban.” The date “July 7, 2026” appears at bottom left. The background is a dark-to-medium blue gradient with abstract network lines and digital particle patterns suggesting connectivity and technology.

Blue promotional graphic from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness. The ITIF logo appears at top left and the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness logo at top right. Large white text across the center reads: “Lessons For Canada from Australia’s Social Media Ban.” The date “July 7, 2026” appears at bottom left. The background is a dark-to-medium blue gradient with abstract network lines and digital particle patterns suggesting connectivity and technology.
LIVESTREAM | REGISTER | SLIDO | ADD TO CALENDAR | PERMALINK

On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at 19:30-20:15 EDT (23:00-00:15 UTC), the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness will continue its 2026 Canada Event Series with a webinar ‘Lessons For Canada from Australia’s Social Media Ban‘.

Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, would prohibit children under 16 from holding social media accounts unless platforms meet safety standards established by a new regulator. The proposal has quickly become one of Canada’s most debated technology policy issues, raising important questions about how governments can best protect young people online.

Australia offers a valuable case study. As policymakers there have pursued similar restrictions, the debate has exposed difficult questions about age verification, platform incentives, and whether limiting access is the most effective way to improve online safety.

Guest Lucy Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Project ROCKIT, an Australian youth-driven movement against bullying and online harm, will share insights from Australia’s experience and discuss what Canadian policymakers should consider as they evaluate Bill C-34.

SPEAKERS
Lucy Thomas – Co-founder / CEO, Project ROCKIT

HOST / MODERATOR
Lawrence Zhang – Head of Policy, Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness, ITIF

#CanadaEventSeries2026 #OnlineSafety #AgeVerification #SocialMedia

11:09 am on June 26, 2026 · canada (26), encryption (49), itif (9)

RECAP 23 JUN 2026 – ITIF – Backdoors and Blowback: What Bill C-22 Means for Canadians

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Promotional graphic for an AFRINIC IP Academy webinar archived by ISOC.LIVE. The dark charcoal background features the AFRINIC logo at upper left, the AFRINIC IP Academy shield logo centered at top, and an orange circuit-style map of Africa with the words “WEBINAR SERIES” at upper right. Large central text reads: “Don't Get Left Behind: Inside the African Government IPv6 Accelerator,” with the subtitle in bright orange. The date “17 June 2026” appears at bottom left, while “ARCHIVED BY ISOC.LIVE” appears at bottom right in white. VIDEO | AUDIO | RECAP | ARCHIVE | PERMALINK On 17 June 2026, the AFRINIC Academy hosted a webinar ‘Don’t Get Left Behind: Inside the African Government IPv6 Accelerator‘. The African Government IPv6 Accelerator is a targeted program designed specifically to support government network operators. Africa’s combined IPv6 capability is only 6.11%. Commercial networks constrained by short-term ROI will not close this digital gap. To secure our infrastructure, Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must take the lead. Here is exactly how government networks can put themselves back on track. SPEAKERS Adebowale Aduloju – Snr. Learning Experience Designer, AFRINIC Bashir Angode – AFRINIC HOST Emma Perrier – Snr. Learning Analyst, AFRINIC

Blue promotional graphic for an ITIF and Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness event. The top left features the white ITIF logo and the text “Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.” The top right contains a red-and-white square logo with a lightbulb and maple leaf above the words “Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness.” Centered in large white text is the title: “Backdoors and Blowback: What Bill C-22 Means for Canadians.” Bottom left reads “June 23, 2026.” Bottom right says “Archived by ISOC.LIVE.” The background is a dark-to-medium blue gradient with faint digital network lines and dots suggesting Internet connectivity or data flow.VIDEO | AUDIO | RECAP | ARCHIVE | PERMALINK

On 23 June 2026, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness hosted a webinar ‘Backdoors and Blowback: What Bill C-22 Means for Canadians‘.

Lawful access reform is being presented as a modest update to police powers for the digital age. Bill C-22 is more than that. Accessing data a company already holds is one thing; requiring companies to redesign their systems so private messages can be unlocked on demand is another. That requirement risks creating unintended security consequences.

Serious bad actors can move to foreign or self-built tools that sit outside Canadian law. The security burden falls instead on families, businesses, and professionals using mainstream services that would now be required to build in access points. Canada’s own Centre for Cyber Security has long urged Canadians to protect themselves with stronger encryption. Bill C-22 moves in the opposite direction.

The virtual panel examined what Bill C-22 would actually do, why building in backdoors tends to introduce new security risks rather than contain them, and what a more targeted approach could look like.

SPEAKERS
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia – Executive Vice President, Public Policy, TECHNATION
Natalie Campbell – Senior Director, North American Government and Regulatory Affairs, Internet Society
Michel Liboiron – Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, Shopify

HOST / MODERATOR
Lawrence Zhang – Head of Policy, Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness, ITIF

#Encryption #Cybersecurity #LawfulAccess #BillC22

2:07 am on June 24, 2026 · 2026 (253), data governance (8), data privacy (4), itif (9)

VIDEO 30 JUN 2026 – ITIF – The New Push for a National Data Privacy Standard

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Blue promotional graphic from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF). The ITIF logo and full organization name appear at the top left in white text. Centered prominently is the title “The New Push for a National Data Privacy Standard” in large bold white lettering. At the bottom left is the date “June 30, 2026.” The background features abstract digital wave patterns and connected network lines suggesting data flows and technology infrastructure.

Blue promotional graphic from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF). The ITIF logo and full organization name appear at the top left in white text. Centered prominently is the title “The New Push for a National Data Privacy Standard” in large bold white lettering. At the bottom left is the date “June 30, 2026.” The background features abstract digital wave patterns and connected network lines suggesting data flows and technology infrastructure.VIDEO | SLIDO |  | PERMALINK

On 30 June 2026, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) will host a webinar ‘The New Push for a National Data Privacy Standard‘.

As Congress continues to debate whether and how to establish a national framework for consumer data privacy, the United States remains governed by a growing patchwork of state privacy laws and sector-specific regulations. While lawmakers have put forth several proposals—including the recently introduced SECURE Data Act—key questions around preemption, enforcement, data minimization, and the scope of consumer rights remain a barrier.

This ITIF expert panel discussion on the current state of federal privacy negotiations and the path forward for Congress, Panelists examined the major debates surrounding the latest proposals, the role state laws play in both advancing and complicating federal action, and whether lawmakers are any closer to reaching a consensus on a national privacy framework.

SPEAKERS
Richard Sill – Technology Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation
Morgan Stevens – Policy Associate, ACT | The App Association
Ruth Whittaker – Director of Technology Policy, Third Way

HOST / MODERATOR
Ash Johnson – Senior Policy Manager, ITIF

#DataPrivacy #PrivacyLaw #TechPolicy #ITIF

5:17 am on June 16, 2026 · 2026 (253), chatbots (2), itif (9), kids (13), online safety (29)

WEBINAR 16 JUN 16:00 UTC – ITIF – How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans

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A promotional graphic for an ITIF webinar on a blue digital-network background. At top left is the white ITIF logo with the text “Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.” Centered prominently in large white type is the title “How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans.” At lower left is the date “June 16, 2026.” The background features flowing abstract white network lines and nodes across the lower half, suggesting data connectivity and technology.

A promotional graphic for an ITIF webinar on a blue digital-network background. At top left is the white ITIF logo with the text “Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.” Centered prominently in large white type is the title “How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans.” At lower left is the date “June 16, 2026.” The background features flowing abstract white network lines and nodes across the lower half, suggesting data connectivity and technology.
VIDEO | AUDIO | RECAP | ARCHIVE | PERMALINK

On 16 June 2026, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) hosted a webinar ‘How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans‘.

In the face of growing concerns that children are forming dangerous emotional attachments to AI companions—chatbots that show empathy, ask personal questions, and provide emotional support—many legislators are rushing to ban or severely limit children’s access to these services. Proposals range from strict age verification to outright prohibition. While policymakers have a legitimate interest in protecting children, some of these policies would limit real opportunities to use these tools to benefit children.

ITIF’s panel discussed recently introduced chatbot safety bills up for debate in Congress, including the GUARD Act and CHATBOT Act, and what policymakers, parents, and platforms could do to protect children without bans.

SPEAKERS
Becca Branum – Deputy Director, Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)
Justine Gluck – Policy Analyst, Future of Privacy Forum (FPF)
Juan Londoño – Policy Analyst, Cato Institute
Josh Withrow – Resident Fellow, Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute (RSI)

HOST / MODERATOR
Alex Ambrose – Policy Analyst, ITIF

#AIChatbots #KidsOnline #AIPolicy #ChildSafety

9:08 am on August 29, 2024 · a11y (127), itif (9), XR (11)

WEBCAST AUG 29 – ITIF – Emerging Tech and the Future of Accessibility

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isoc live

isoc liveOn Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT (16:00-17:00 UTC) the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) hosts a webinar ‘Emerging Tech and the Future of Accessibility‘. An expert panel will examine the positive potential of AR/VR immersive technologies may be used to enhance accessibility in health care, education, and life.

PANEL
Scott Code, Vice President, Center for Aging Services Technologies, Leading Age
Kai Frazier, Founder & CEO, Kai XR
Brian Switzer, Program Manager for Accessibility Technology, Training, and Research, The Carroll Center for the Blind
Moderator: Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst, ITIF

VIDEO | AUDIO | TRANSCRIPT: EN / ES / FR

ORIGINAL LIVESTREAM https://youtu.be/EPp6gEFcPLg

TWITTER #Accessibility @ITIFdc #A11y #XR #VR @ITIFdc @alexitif Scott Code @LeadingAge @__Ka1 @ExploreKaiXR Brian Switzer @CarrollCenter

ARCHIVE
https://archive.org/details/itif-a11y

2:55 am on April 25, 2018 · content (7), genesys (1), itif (9)

WEBCAST TODAY: Titans on Trial: Do internet giants have too much power? Should governments intervene? @GenesysPartners #titansontrial

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livestreamToday.Wednesday April 25 2018 the Genesys Partners 2018 Annual Venture Dinner & Forum, now in its 24th year, will feature a mock trial of the ‘Tech Titans’. With author Ken Aulletta in the judge’s chair, “Do Internet giants have too much power? Should governments intervene?” will be the topic of cross examination between FTC Commissioner Terrell McSweeny and Rob Atkinson, President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). At the conclusion of arguments, the jury of Venture Forum attendees will render their verdict. The event will be webcast live on the Internet Society Livestream Channel.

What: Titans on Trial: Do internet giants have too much power? Should governments intervene?
Where: Union League, NYC
When: Wednesday April 25 2018 5pm EDT (21:00 UTC)
Webcast: https://bit.ly/titansontrial
Twitter: #titansontrial

5:28 pm on November 14, 2014 · itif (9), net neutrality (39)

VIDEO: @ITIF Debate – What is the Appropriate Legal Framework for #NetNeutrality? Section 706 vs Title II

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itifOn November 13 2014 the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) presented a debate What is the Appropriate Legal Framework for #NetNeutrality? Section 706 vs Title II. Advocating for classification of broadband providers as a Title II common carrier were Michael Weinberg of Public Knowledge and Evan Engstrom of Engine Advocacy. Supporting reliance on Section 706 of the Communications Act were Doug Brake of ITIF and Gregg Rothschild of Glover Park Group. Video is below:

View on YouTube: http://youtu.be/GbKtVz6B99I
Transcribe on AMARA: http://www.amara.org/en/videos/ZW9AcKtvbvey/
Twitter: #netneutrality + @ITIF

3:28 pm on July 7, 2014 · blair levin (9), cbpp (1), georgetown (7), itif (9), larry downes (3)

VIDEO: The Internet and Communications Regulation:  A Policy and Technology Symposium @GeorgetownCBPP

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On June 10 2014 the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy hosted “The Internet and Communications Regulation:  A Policy and Technology Symposium,” a panel to discuss the technical and economic background of current issues related to the Internet. Speakers: Blair Levin, Communications and Society Fellow, The Aspen Institute; Patrick Gilmore, Chief Technology Officer, Markley Group; Brent Olson, Vice President of Public Policy, AT&T; Robert D. Atkinson, President, The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; Jeffrey Campbell, Vice President, Cisco Government Affairs; with moderation by Larry Downes, Senior Industry and Innovation Fellow and Project Director, Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy. The group discussed the technical and economic background of the internet, since knowing how and why the internet works is crucial to gaining an understanding of current issues and policy options. Video is below:

View on YouTube: http://youtu.be/bmidMhequwQ
Transcribe on AMARA: http://www.amara.org/en/videos/23IuxFyvV6Xr/
Summary: http://cbpp.georgetown.edu/2014/07/03/technical-economic-background-internet

2:23 pm on April 24, 2013 · broadband (121), competition (5), Dave Burstein (4), isoc-dc (75), itif (9), policy (40), public knowledge (8), spectrum (25), webcast (110)

WEBCAST FRI AM: Bandwidth for the Buck: The State of #Broadband Access & Competition in the US @isocdc @itifdc

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ISOC-DC

ISOC-DCOn Friday April 26 2013 the Internet Society’s Washington DC Chapter (ISOC-DC) for its April Happy Hour will join with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) to present a breakfast discussion: Bandwidth for the Buck: The State of Broadband Access & Competition in the US. A panel of distinguished experts, moderated by ISOC-NY board member Dave Burstein, will address such questions as:

  • What is the state of broadband competition in the US?
  • Do American consumers really pay more for slower speeds?
  • What is the best way to get to universal access?
  • What objectives should national broadband policy try to achieve?

The event will be webcast live via the Internet Society livestream channel. No live captions.

What: Bandwidth for the Buck: The State of Broadband Access & Competition in the US
Where: ITIF, Washington DC
When: Friday April 26 2013 9am-11am EDT | 1300-1500 UTC
Webcast: http://new.livestream.com/internetsociety/dc-broadband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/151596038350336/
Twitter: #broadband | @isocdc | @itifdc
Speakers:
Robert D. Atkinson, Ph.D. – President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Jeffrey A. Eisenach,Ph.D. – Managing Director, Navigant Economics, Visiting Scholar, American Enterprise Institute
Jodie Griffin – Staff Attorney, Public Knowledge
Robert C. Atkinson – Director of Policy Research, CITI
Moderator: Dave Burstein, Editor, DSL Prime