Independent Research and Policy for the Public Interest
Data & Society believes that technology policy must be grounded in research, account for tech’s real-world impacts, and serve the public. We’re working toward a future where people, not technology, come first.
The Latest from Data & Society
Our research shows that data centers represent a lightning rod issue for broad, diverse communities that desire both prosperity and power.
September 21, 2026
Report
Who Gets to Decide How AI Enters Our Schools?
Join us to explore how AI's role in classrooms is being shaped in New York City and beyond.
September 28, 2026
Event
Power and Resistance in the Age of Tech Oligarchy
Join the authors of "Muskism" and "Against Tech Oligarchy" to discuss the structural forces shaping tech and state power.
October 7, 2026
Event
Our New Research and Policy Collection: Governing AI Agents
However novel OpenAI agents’ hack of Hugging Face may be, it would be a mistake to let it eclipse what we already know about AI governance.
September 10, 2026
Points
Curated Collections
Explore our foundational work in areas including disinformation and democracy; education and childhood technology use; and privacy, surveillance, and power.
Illustration by Yukai Du
Our Programs
Our research, policy, and public engagement work is timely, strategic, and grounded in the real-life experiences of people and communities.
AI on the Ground
Using social science to analyze, assess, and inform the future design, use, and governance of AI systems.
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AI Civics
Working in partnership with organizations and public institutions across the United States to build civic strength for the AI era.
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Algorithmic Impact Methods Lab
Developing methodologies for conducting empirical, participatory algorithmic impact assessments to support the governance of AI.
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Climate, Technology, and Justice
Exploring the full spectrum of environmental concerns connected to technology, with a focus on people and communities.
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Democracy in the Age of AI
Understanding how information systems, automation, and AI contribute to tensions between democratic theory and practice.
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Labor Futures
Interrogating how technology is disrupting, destabilizing, and transforming aspects of work and employment.
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Participation, Agency, and Algorithmic Accountability
Exploring methods, institutions, and mandates that aim to empower communities to shape the systems that impact their lives.
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Technologies of Health and Care
Examining the power dynamics embedded in how health data and technology are designed, used, and applied in care settings.
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Trustworthy Infrastructures
Exploring how diverse sets of communities shape their collective responses to top-down technological solutions.
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Policy Engagement
Advancing policy interventions to mitigate the societal harms of emerging technologies, empower people and workers in tech governance, and challenge…
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Public Technology Leadership Collaborative
A peer learning community of scholars, practitioners, and government leaders who cultivate trust-based relationships to ensure that data and…
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Events
Featuring conversations that challenge the power and purpose of data-centric technologies and explore how they can advance the public interest.
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Research and Resource Library
Explore the full range of Data & Society publications.
News and Events
All News and EventsRecent incidents concerning rogue AI agents committing cyberattacks have catalyzed a unique moment of political attention on AI safety and regulation. In a letter to Congress, we…
Letter to Congress on Pacing the Frontier
Recent incidents concerning rogue AI agents committing cyberattacks have catalyzed a unique moment of political attention on AI safety and…
September 17, 2026
Congressional letter
Ranjit Singh, Samir Passi, Margaret Mitchell, and Madeleine Claire Elish discuss what builders and deployers must do to make oversight of AI agents meaningful.
The Limits of Human Oversight in the Age of AI Agents
Ranjit Singh, Samir Passi, Margaret Mitchell, and Madeleine Claire Elish discuss what builders and deployers must do to make oversight of AI agents…
July 28, 2026
Event
“The reality is that platforms make a lot of money off scams,” Alice Marwick tells The Guardian.
Deepfakes Are Wrecking Influencers’ Credibility, One Fake Ad at a Time
“The reality is that platforms make a lot of money off scams,” Alice Marwick tells The Guardian.
The Guardian
September 14, 2026
Press
Brian J. Chen discusses why a “grander ambition” is needed to ensure that current “techlash” does not fizzle out in order to substantially challenge the growth of AI…
After the Data Centers
Brian J. Chen discusses why a “grander ambition” is needed to ensure that current “techlash” does not fizzle out in order to substantially challenge…
Dissent Magazine
September 8, 2026
Article