More than a Seat: Who Gets to Shape Technology Policy

February 19, 2026 - 18:50

The debate over who influences technology policy is moving beyond boardrooms and legislative halls, focusing increasingly on the fundamental question of public voice. As digital platforms become central to modern life, determining the rules that govern them is no longer a niche concern but a matter of broad public interest.

The core of the issue revolves around ensuring that policy-making includes diverse perspectives beyond just major corporate stakeholders. Advocacy focuses on protecting essential digital rights, including the maintenance of a truly open internet, robust freedom of expression online, and universal access to affordable communications tools. This work emphasizes that the rules governing our technology should serve the public’s needs, fostering innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and access to information.

The outcome of these policy decisions will define our digital landscape for decades. It will influence everything from the affordability of broadband service to the way creators share their work and how individuals engage in civic discourse online. Ensuring a multiplicity of voices in this process is critical to building a technological future that is equitable, open, and beneficial for all.