A Digital Equity Agenda for Democracy: 5 Tech Policy Recommendations for the New Trump Administration

President-elect Donald J. Trump will once again lead the United States. His administration will confront a host of global challenges—from humanitarian crises and ongoing conflicts to growing polarization, inequity, and climate change—all while navigating a society profoundly transformed by dramatic technological change.

While this incoming administration has not yet fully outlined its technology policy priorities, one thing is clear: Technology will play a pivotal role in addressing the growing harms and risks associated with innovation. We cannot predict the specific actions the administration will take. Rather, we emphasize that, to preserve our democracy, it is essential that government, industry, and civil society work together over the next four years to ensure technology serves the public interest. Technology should strengthen public services, bolster democratic institutions, drive innovative solutions to complex global issues, create shared prosperity and economic opportunity, and foster connections among individuals and communities worldwide.

At New America, our Technology and Democracy programs are dedicated to shaping a sustainable digital future that advances equitable opportunity, innovation, and participatory governance—one that ensures democracy, human rights, and the planet can flourish. As vice president of these programs and the head of the Open Technology Institute (OTI), I believe it is vital to illuminate the pressing technology policy challenges facing the U.S. as we transition to a new administration. This piece draws upon the collective expertise of our Technology and Democracy programs and other tech-focused initiatives at New America to offer recommendations for ensuring that technology serves the public good in the next four years and beyond.

Privacy. Freedom of expression. Self-determination. These fundamental rights are more critical than ever in an age when technology permeates every aspect of our lives. The challenge for the incoming administration lies in navigating the complex intersection of technological advancement and the protection of these essential rights. One issue that demands urgent attention: How do we balance the need for data collection—essential for innovation and efficiency—with the imperative to protect individual privacy?

The U.S. faces a significant gap in federal privacy protections, leaving a fragmented landscape of state-level regulations that is ultimately unsustainable. The administration must examine the extent to which the government and private companies have access to our personal data. As data-driven innovation accelerates, it is critical to develop a framework that strikes the right balance between protecting individual privacy while encouraging innovation.

“We need to counter reactionary agendas from the Trump administration that threaten our fundamental rights. We must be vigilant about how this administration might weaponize technology, undermine encryption, and expand surveillance, especially when it comes to immigration or in the name of national security. Defending human rights is non-negotiable.”
—Prem Trivedi, Policy Director, Open Technology Institute

Given the private sector’s outsized role in data collection, it will be important for the administration to establish clear guardrails that ensure transparency and accountability. The public deserves greater visibility into how companies collect, use, and share personal data. Transparency, combined with robust enforcement mechanisms, will help hold companies accountable when they misuse or share personal data in ways that undermine democratic norms.

Today, Americans are limited in their control over their data. As most consumer products rely on data collection to function, the administration must ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of privacy, security, and freedom of expression.

While our aspirations for the country are high, the administration needs to acknowledge a critical barrier to equitable digital access: Millions of Americans lack reliable internet. The Trump administration is expected to challenge the Federal Communication Commission’s authority to classify broadband as a telecommunications service, potentially rolling back protections established under the Biden administration. Regardless of what happens, the core issue remains: universal service. All Americans should have access to advanced communications services at fair, affordable rates.

“I expect, under this incoming administration, a rollback of open internet protections and a behind-closed-doors deal on wireless spectrum. We must be ready to move quickly to counter these efforts and work to influence Congress to stand firm on the principles and programs of universal service.”
—Michael Calabrese, Director, New America’s Wireless Future Project

For the U.S. to maintain its global leadership in the digital age, internet access must be prioritized, ensuring broad societal benefits. This essential need is why we push to maximize wireless spectrum capacity, fostering a more integrated, open, and diverse wireless ecosystem. Beyond access, the administration should also prioritize digital transformation efforts that restore Americans’ trust in public institutions, from streamlining government services to expanding digital identification systems.

“No matter what level of government administers digital solutions, they must be accompanied by programs to ensure safeguards and equal access. Growing federal programs like the Treasury Department streamlining digital payments, the State Department issuing passport renewals online, and the TSA accepting digital ID verification at airports will need a closer look when the dust settles after the administration transition. To be effective and trusted, these foundational systems require clear governance measures.”
—Allison Price, Senior Advisor, New America’s Digital Impact and Governance Initiative

The incoming Trump administration will play a critical role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI)—both domestically and globally. The decisions made over the next few years will have far-reaching implications for technology and society. On the campaign trail, President-elect Trump signaled plans to repeal the Biden Administration’s executive order on AI, emphasizing that his focus will center on national security concerns.

At New America, we believe that the current U.S. approach to establishing responsible AI governance has set the right foundation. The progress made so far—especially around dual-foundation models and ethical guidelines—is critical to ensuring that AI serves the public good. We also urge the U.S. to lead in fostering global collaboration on AI, advancing research, driving industry growth, and maximizing societal benefits. Central to this is a human-centered approach that ensures AI promotes equitable access, non-discrimination, and the protection of privacy.

We also caution against allowing U.S. tech policy to be driven solely by rivalry with China. While safeguarding national interests is essential, it’s equally important to preserve a global, interconnected internet that facilitates cross-border cooperation. An overemphasis on competition risks undermining the open exchange of resources, knowledge, and capital. A successful domestic technology agenda should prioritize the public interest, ensuring the U.S. remains competitive while fostering international collaboration on AI and other emerging technologies.

At the heart of the American ideal is equitable opportunity—and technology must be a tool to advance that ideal. To ensure all Americans benefit from technological advancements, we need to include diverse voices in the design, development, and deployment of technology. For the past eight years, New America has championed the creation of a public-interest technology field that bridges technology with public policy and social justice, aiming to ensure technology serves the common good—especially for underserved communities. This work is grounded in principles of ethical and inclusive design, accountability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“We need bold initiatives to promote STEM education and mentorship for underrepresented groups. Expanding programs from K-12 to community colleges will ignite and nurture a passion for STEM. Providing mentorship opportunities and targeted scholarships will empower a new generation of diverse talent to thrive in tech careers. To make a real impact, we must scale these efforts, ensuring they reach a broader audience and break down barriers to access. This will pave the way to a more inclusive and innovative tech future.”
—Bobbi Makani, PhD, Executive Director, Career Center, San José State University, and a member of the Public Interest Technology University Network

Technology should empower all people, especially those from marginalized groups—and these systems must be held accountable when they fall short. This vision calls for the government to take a multi-disciplinary approach, prioritizing inclusive design and accessibility.

“A second Trump Administration only underscores the further need to double-down on our work to diversify the cyber workforce. We will continue to build a generation of leadership that can educate citizens about policies that affect their lives in cyberspace while maintaining our belief that diversity is core to national security.”
—Bridget Chan, Program Manager, #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship

New America’s Technology and Democracy programs focus on policies and research that protect and strengthen Americans’ ability to navigate and contribute to an open, healthy digital public square. As misinformation and disinformation continue to proliferate, it’s essential that all Americans—particularly those in historically marginalized communities—have the access, skills, and support needed to engage safely online. It is equally critical that no administration weakens the independence of media or uses technology to manipulate speech in ways that undermine democratic norms.

The new administration must prioritize efforts to improve digital access and literacy, including trusted safety protocols. While much of the current focus has been on youth safety, the broader impact of social media on all users—from online scams to mental health concerns, violence, and social isolation—demands our attention. Public awareness campaigns addressing these challenges are essential to combat the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation.

Additionally, we cannot ignore the security risks that come with a rapidly evolving and poorly regulated digital space. Critical infrastructure gaps, particularly in cybersecurity, leave the U.S. vulnerable to attacks such as ransomware. Strengthening our digital defenses is not just a matter of national security—it is essential to protecting citizens and institutions alike. Moreover, addressing the infrastructure needed to respond to emerging technologies—from AI to quantum computing—is crucial for ensuring long-term resilience.

We urge the Trump administration to take seriously the growing threat of large-scale cyberattacks, which New America’s Planetary Politics program has likened to a “digital 9/11.” To prepare, the administration must strengthen collaboration between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the private sector. It is not just about defending against cyber threats—it’s about raising awareness across government and society to ensure we are prepared for a potentially devastating cyber event.

Tech policy is no longer a niche issue for the United States—it is central to the future of our nation. As our world faces profound technological, societal, and environmental changes, the choices we make in tech policy will either exacerbate existing harms or unlock our greatest potential. The recommendations we’ve outlined are not just reactive measures—they are proactive steps to help us navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. These policies are the foundation for a sustainable digital future—one that will help us weather societal and environmental shifts while embracing technological advancements. The first step is clear: to know where we’re headed and working together to get there.