Andrea Hackl was a research analyst with Ranking Digital Rights. She holds a Ph.D. from American University’s School of Communication, where she focused on internet governance and human rights. In her dissertation, Hackl focused on the role of internet policy in shaping LGBTQ expression and privacy online.
Previously, Hackl served as a research fellow for the LGBT Technology Partnership & Institute, where she wrote a white paper on the technology needs of homeless LGBTQ youth. The paper helped the organization create a cellphone program for at risk youth. Hackl’s academic work has been published in the journals Information, Communication & Society and Telecommunications Policy.