From Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
People of ACM - Deirdre K. Mulligan
What does your role as Deputy US Technology Officer involve?
President Biden often says, “America is the only nation that can be defined by a single word: possibilities.” OSTP works to bring that idea to life by maximizing the benefits of science and technology to advance health, prosperity, security, environmental quality, and justice for all Americans. As Principal Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer in the (OSTP), I help lead our efforts to make technology work for the American people.
What are some of the key research areas within computing technology where OSTP has called for more funding?
Federal research and development must maintain and develop America’s global leadership position on science and technology. OSTP has identified key research areas that require additional funding to encourage the creation of new products, services, jobs, policies, regulations, and standards. These priorities include advancing trustworthy AI, maintaining global stability and security, meeting the challenge of the climate crisis, and working to achieve better health outcomes for people across the nation.
How did you initially become interested in the intersection of law and information technology?
I studied law because it was a key way to shape society. I was particularly keen to protect and advance civil liberties, civil rights, and democratic values. I became interested in technology—both its design and regulation—as a tool to protect civil liberties and civil rights while interning at the National Legislative Office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). It was the early 90s and we were just beginning to understand the role digital communication and information technologies would play in all aspects of society. Shortly after graduating from law school, I helped found the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT). From the start, the CDT deeply engaged with computer scientists and engineers to shape policy and technology in order to advance civil liberties and democratic values...
Deirdre Mulligan is a professor at the I School focusing on legal and technical means of protecting values such as privacy, freedom of expression, and fairness in emerging technical systems. She joined the White House as deputy United States chief technology officer for policy in early 2023 and is now principal deputy U.S. CTO.
