EPIC - Electronic Privacy Information Center

Universal Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence

New developments in Artificial Intelligence are transforming the world, from science and industry to government administration and finance. The Universal Guidelines set out 12 principles to "inform and improve the design and use of AI. The Guidelines are intended to maximize the benefits of AI, to minimize the risk, and to ensure the protection of human rights."

Learn more »
EPIC Launches Blog: EPIC Frontlines

EPIC Frontlines highlights the work of the EPIC Advisory Board, book reviews, and pressing privacy and open government issues.

Visit the blog »
US NGOs Meet with Members of European Parliament

Claude Moreas, Chair of the Civil Liberties Committee ("LIBE") of the European Parliament, speaking with US NGOs at the Fund for Constitutional Government in Washington, DC. July 18, 2018.
US NGOs Meet with Members of European Parliament

Members of the Civil Liberties Committee ("LIBE") of the European Parliament, meeting with US NGOs at the Fund for Constitutional Government in Washington, DC. July 18, 2018.
The Future of Privacy in America after GDPR

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted a discussion on the Future of Privacy in America after GDPR at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Advocates from the U.S. and abroad joined us for this important discussion.

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2018, EPIC hosted the 2018 Champions of Freedom Awards Dinner. EPIC honored Dr. Stephanie Perrin, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Dr. Peter Neumann. (phone credit: Jenifer Morris)

Learn more »
Privacy Law Sourcebook

The new European Union privacy law -- the "GDPR" -- is now central in the debate over the future of privacy. EPIC makes the complete text of the GDPR available in the Privacy Law Sourcebook.

Order today »
In Congressional Testimony, EPIC Calls For Comprehensive Privacy Law, New Privacy Agency

EPIC President Marc Rotenberg recently testified before the House Financial Services Committee. EPIC called for comprehensive data protection legislation and the creation of a federal data protection agency.

Learn more »
EPIC 2018 International Privacy Champion Awards

EPIC presented the 2018 International Privacy Champion Awards to Privacy International Director Gus Hosein and Professor Artemi Rallo at the Conference on Computers, Privacy, Data Protection in Brussels, Belgium.
Defend Privacy. Support EPIC.

EPIC is on the front lines of the major privacy and civil liberties debates. In 2018, EPIC will work to protect democratic institutions, promote algorithmic transparency, and defend the right to privacy. We need your support. And EPIC is a top-rated non-profit - Charity Navigator (Four Star) and Guidestar (Gold). Please donate to EPIC today.

Defend Privacy. Support EPIC. »

Top News

EPIC's Rotenberg Urges Support for AI Guidelines at OECD

Speaking to the OECD Global Strategy Group in Paris, EPIC President Marc Rotenberg urged OECD member countries to endorse the Universal Guidelines for AI. "Civil society recognizes that AI may help solve the world's greatest challenges - from climate change and resource scarcity to medical breakthroughs and sustainable development. But we also believe that the public must be given the opportunity to participate in the development of AI policy. And there should be guidelines at the outset that safeguard democratic values and human rights," said Mr. Rotenberg. More than 200 experts and 50 NGOs, from across 40 countries, have endorsed the Universal Guidelines for AI, the first human rights framework for artificial intelligence. The OECD Global Strategy Group brings together senior officials from member countries to discuss the challenges shaping today's world.

November 19, 2018 | Share:

EPIC Urges Department of Defense to Limit Disclosure of Personnel Records

In comments to the Department of Defense, EPIC has proposed privacy safeguards for the agency's Personnel Vetting system of records. The records system would authorize limitless collection of sensitive information on current, former, and prospective public and private sector employees, their friends and relatives, Red Cross volunteers, and foreign nationals. EPIC opposes the records system's disclosure standards that authorize sharing of individuals' personal information with any requesting source as part of an investigation, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and foreign law enforcement entities. EPIC consistently warns against overbroad government databases and urges agencies to withdraw unnecessary Privacy Act exemptions.

November 16, 2018 | Share:

Pew Research: Widespread Concerns in US About AI

A new survey from the Pew Research Center "Public Attitudes Toward Computer Algorithms" found widespread concern about the fairness of automated decision making. According to the Pew report, "Americans express broad concerns over the fairness and effectiveness of computer programs making important decisions in people's lives." Americans oppose the use algorithms for criminal risk assessments (56%), automated resume screening for job applicants (57%), and personal finance scores (68%). Many of the concerns in the Pew Report are addressed in the Universal Guidelines for AI, the first human rights framework for AI. More than 200 experts and 50 NGOs have endorsed the Universal Guidelines. Public opinion polls consistently find strong support among Americans for new privacy laws.

November 16, 2018 | Share:

Facing EPIC Lawsuit, FAA Scraps Secretive Drone Committees »

EPIC Supports Constitutionality of "Robocall" Law »

EPIC Comments on NTIA’s Consumer Privacy Framework »

New Hampshire Voters Establish Constitutional Right to Informational Privacy »

EPIC Urges Agencies to Abandon Data Practices that Extend Detention of Children »

U.S. House Flips, EPIC Seeks Release of Trump Tax Returns »

EPIC news Archive »

Subscribe to the EPIC Alert

The EPIC Alert is a biweekly newsletter highlighting emerging privacy issues.

EPIC Alert archive »

EPIC in the News

Algorithms are being used to convict criminals and decide jail time. We need to make sure they are fair
World Economic Forum
November 19, 2018

More EPIC in the News »

Upcoming Events

19Nov2018

"The Future of Innovation and Digital Transformation: Exploring Societal Impacts"

Marc Rotenberg, EPIC President

OECD Global Strategy Group
Paris, France

More EPIC Events »

EPIC is Hiring!

Summer clerks

Fall Fellows

More information »

EPIC's Work

Open Government »

EPIC v. FTC: Seeking disclosure of Facebook assessments, reports, and related records required by the 2012 FTC Consent Order.

More EPIC FOIA cases »

Appellate Advocacy »

In re: OPM Data Security Breach Litigation: Whether the government's failure to safeguard sensitive personal data from a breach violated individuals' constitutional right to informational privacy and caused a cognizable injury under Article III.

More appellate advocacy »