Center for Democracy and Technology: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
=Issues= |
=Issues= |
||
The Center for Democracy and Technology works with a number of issues it feels to be important to consumers and Internet users. |
|||
==Spyware== |
==Spyware== |
||
The CDT convened the [[Anti-Spyware Coalition]], an organization made up of anti-spyware providers as well as public interest groups committed to combating the rise of unwanted spyware clogging computers and endangering Internet communications. In [[2004]], CDT launched its first complaint to the [[FTC]] against Mailwiper Inc. and Seismic Entertainment Media and their affiliates, alleging that they were engaging in deceptive and unfair marketing practices by changing computer users' web homepages without their consent and trying to convince these users they needed the Mailwiper program called "Spy Wiper" to protect their computers. Later, In 2006, with the help of the organization [[Stopbadware.org]], the CDT urged the FTC to shut down the site FastMP3Search.com.ar. The Site executed the installation of [[Trojan Horse| Trojan Horse |
The CDT convened the [[Anti-Spyware Coalition]], an organization made up of anti-spyware providers as well as public interest groups committed to combating the rise of unwanted spyware clogging computers and endangering Internet communications. In [[2004]], CDT launched its first complaint to the [[FTC]] against Mailwiper Inc. and Seismic Entertainment Media and their affiliates, alleging that they were engaging in deceptive and unfair marketing practices by changing computer users' web homepages without their consent and trying to convince these users they needed the Mailwiper program called "Spy Wiper" to protect their computers. Later, In 2006, with the help of the organization [[Stopbadware.org]], the CDT urged the FTC to shut down the site FastMP3Search.com.ar. The Site executed the installation of [[Trojan Horse (computing)| Trojan Horse]] applications to users, it then disabled security software, changed homepage settings, and impaired computer speed and performance without user consent.<ref name=privacy /> |
||
==Children's Safety Online== |
|||
CDT believes that the best way to protect children online, while respecting constitutional free speech and privacy values, is to empower families with the information and tools they need to protect themselves online. |
|||
CDT has been a leader in the effort to assure the safety of children online in a manner respectful of the First Amendment and the interests of free expression. CDT has played a key role in court cases challenging laws that would limit adult access to legal content on the Internet. It encourages the development of a broad range of filters by industry that would address the diverse needs of America's families and promotes their voluntary use in the home. CDT was an early and active participant in the development and deployment of GetNetWise, and encourages its use by families and its adoption by businesses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.getnetwise.org/about/supporters/cdt |title= GetNetWise}}</ref> |
|||
{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
||
Revision as of 02:41, 25 April 2011
| CDT logo | |
| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Location |
|
| Website | cdt.org |
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is a Washington, D.C. based 501(c)(3) non-profit public-interest group that works to promote an open, innovative and free Internet.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
As a civil liberties group with expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT works to enhance free expression and privacy in communications technologies by finding practical and innovative solutions to public policy challenges while protecting civil liberties. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new communications media.[7]
In 1994, Jerry Berman parted ways with another organization, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and formed the Center for Democracy & Technology.[8][9][10] Jerry Berman heads the 200 organization Advisory Committee to the Congressional Internet Caucus, a bipartisan group of over 160 members of Congress which sponsor Internet policy forums and a speakers program to increase congressional understanding of the Internet.[6]
CDT has used the internet itself to influence legislation concerning the internet. For instance, the organization has relied on email to spread a message like a virus, called "Word of Mouse." The organization has also used the Internet to facilitate communication from citizens to governments and businesses. The CDT has used the web as a way to greatly enhance their ability to make a difference and have a larger say in important issues.[5]
One way the CDT differs from other organizations with similar goals, such as the Electronic Frontiers Foundation, is that the CDT prefers to use a more pragmatic inside strategy when working with companies and government officials.[9] The CDT often works with legislators on controversial legislation. For example, the CDT offered opinions on the rework of the Internet Integrity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2000 (S.2448)[11], a computer-crime bill introduced in the 106th Congress by United States Senate Orrin Hatch, Patrick Leahy, and Chuck Schumer. While other organizations prefer not to comment on legislation in progress, the CDT believes a "seat at the table" enables advocacy for civil liberties positions that might not otherwise be heard. People at CDT work with lawmakers to insert civil liberties concepts into new law and to remove concepts that would endanger the liberty of the individual.[2]
Issues
The Center for Democracy and Technology works with a number of issues it feels to be important to consumers and Internet users.
Spyware
The CDT convened the Anti-Spyware Coalition, an organization made up of anti-spyware providers as well as public interest groups committed to combating the rise of unwanted spyware clogging computers and endangering Internet communications. In 2004, CDT launched its first complaint to the FTC against Mailwiper Inc. and Seismic Entertainment Media and their affiliates, alleging that they were engaging in deceptive and unfair marketing practices by changing computer users' web homepages without their consent and trying to convince these users they needed the Mailwiper program called "Spy Wiper" to protect their computers. Later, In 2006, with the help of the organization Stopbadware.org, the CDT urged the FTC to shut down the site FastMP3Search.com.ar. The Site executed the installation of Trojan Horse applications to users, it then disabled security software, changed homepage settings, and impaired computer speed and performance without user consent.[9]
Children's Safety Online
CDT believes that the best way to protect children online, while respecting constitutional free speech and privacy values, is to empower families with the information and tools they need to protect themselves online. CDT has been a leader in the effort to assure the safety of children online in a manner respectful of the First Amendment and the interests of free expression. CDT has played a key role in court cases challenging laws that would limit adult access to legal content on the Internet. It encourages the development of a broad range of filters by industry that would address the diverse needs of America's families and promotes their voluntary use in the home. CDT was an early and active participant in the development and deployment of GetNetWise, and encourages its use by families and its adoption by businesses.[12]
References
- ^ Helft, Miguel (March 30, 2010). "Technology Coalition Seeks Stronger Privacy Laws". The New York Times.
- ^ a b "Protect your digital privacy ..." Books.google.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ "The center for democracy and ..." Books.google.com. October 13, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ "Congress and the politics of ..." Books.google.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "The civic web: online politics and ..." Books.google.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "Jerry Berman".
- ^ "Privacy in Context: Technology ..." Books.google.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ "Public interest profiles". Books.google.com. June 26, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ a b c "The privacy advocates: resisting the ..." Books.google.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ "Encyclopedia of computers and ..." Books.google.com. December 22, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ "S.2448: Internet Integrity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2000".
- ^ "GetNetWise".
External links
| Name | Position at CDT | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry Berman | Founder, Chmn. of the Board | Director, EFF; Chief Legislative Counsel ACLU |
| Leslie Harris | President & Chief Executive Officer | Founder, Leslie Harris & Associates; Director of Public Policy, PFAW |
| Jim Dempsey | Vice President for Public Policy | Deputy Director, Center for National Security Studies; Assistant Counsel to the United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights |