David Robinson

The term “predictive policing” refers to computer systems that use data to forecast where crime will happen or who will be involved. Though these systems are rolling out in police departments nationwide, our report found pervasive, fundamental gaps in what’s publicly known about them. In our survey of the nation’s 50 largest police forces, we found that at least 20 of them have used a predictive policing system, with at least an additional 11 actively exploring options to do so. Vendors shield… Show more

The term “predictive policing” refers to computer systems that use data to forecast where crime will happen or who will be involved. Though these systems are rolling out in police departments nationwide, our report found pervasive, fundamental gaps in what’s publicly known about them. In our survey of the nation’s 50 largest police forces, we found that at least 20 of them have used a predictive policing system, with at least an additional 11 actively exploring options to do so. Vendors shield the technology in secrecy, and informed public debate is rare. Early research findings suggest that these systems may not actually make people safer — and that they may lead to even more aggressive enforcement in communities that are already heavily policed.

Together with our report, we also published a coalition statement of concern by 17 civil rights, media rights and technology policy organizations, which can be viewed at https://www.aclu.org/other/statement-concern-about-predictive-policing-aclu-and-16-civil-rights-privacy-racial-justice . I led the drafting process for that statement. Show less

In early 2016 the Federal Trade Commission, having reclassified broadband Internet service as a common carriage service, was considering whether to impose strong new privacy rules for broadband Internet service. Some voices in the debate argued that encryption removes the need for any privacy rules—a position favored by the broadband industry. We provided an accessible, technically robust counterpoint to this argument, explaining that Internet providers can still see a significant amount of… Show more

In early 2016 the Federal Trade Commission, having reclassified broadband Internet service as a common carriage service, was considering whether to impose strong new privacy rules for broadband Internet service. Some voices in the debate argued that encryption removes the need for any privacy rules—a position favored by the broadband industry. We provided an accessible, technically robust counterpoint to this argument, explaining that Internet providers can still see a significant amount of their subscribers’ Internet activity, and can still infer substantial amounts of sensitive information from that activity, even after strong encryption technologies are widely adopted. In its eventual order adopting strong privacy rules for broadband service, the FCC cited our report twelve times. See FCC Report and Order in the Matter of Protecting the Privacy of Consumers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services, FCC Dkt. 16-148 (Oct. 27, 2016). Show less

Served as lead drafter of Civil Rights Principles for the Era of Big Data, the first major public statement to draw attention to how big data can threaten civil rights, which were endorsed by a broad national coalition of leading civil rights organizations. Those principles, and our subsequent in-person coalition briefing of White House officials, led a White House report to conclude that “big data analytics have the potential to eclipse longstanding civil rights protections in how personal… Show more

Served as lead drafter of Civil Rights Principles for the Era of Big Data, the first major public statement to draw attention to how big data can threaten civil rights, which were endorsed by a broad national coalition of leading civil rights organizations. Those principles, and our subsequent in-person coalition briefing of White House officials, led a White House report to conclude that “big data analytics have the potential to eclipse longstanding civil rights protections in how personal information is used in housing, credit, employment, health, education, and the marketplace.” See Big Data: Seizing Opportunities, Preserving Values, (Exec. Office of the President), May 2014. Show less

Internet users in China can't freely explore the Internet because of the regime's “Great Firewall,” a sophisticated infrastructure of technical filters and controls. Governments and philanthropies fund software to help users break through that barrier. We built and executed a survey to reach those users and find out which tools work best for them. Our results led us to propose a new strategic approach to the problem, which we termed “collateral freedom”—maximizing the collateral economic cost… Show more

Internet users in China can't freely explore the Internet because of the regime's “Great Firewall,” a sophisticated infrastructure of technical filters and controls. Governments and philanthropies fund software to help users break through that barrier. We built and executed a survey to reach those users and find out which tools work best for them. Our results led us to propose a new strategic approach to the problem, which we termed “collateral freedom”—maximizing the collateral economic cost of Internet censorship, without necessarily using the most elaborate encryption. Funders and advocates have embraced this new approach, and continue to use this framing to guide their work. See, e.g., Collateral Freedom: Thwarting Censorship in 13 “Enemy of the Internet” Countries, Reporters Sans Frontiers (March 12, 2016). Show less