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LGBT Technology Partnership

The LGBT Technology Partnership brings together cutting edge tech companies, nonprofit organizations, policy makers, scholars and innovators to improve access, increase inclusion, ensure safety and empower entrepreneurship for LGBT communities around technology.

Why are LGBT communities different?

 

The LGBT community has specific concerns that are not immediately obvious and differ from the concerns of other minority communities in large part because of the aforementioned stigmas and isolation. Technology, through smart phones, high-speed networks and other current and emerging technologies allow LGBT people to come together, to meet and to empower each other, regardless of geographic distance. No longer does an LGBT individual, regardless of culture or background, need to grow up in a world where they feel alone. This easy access to technology presents new and unique challenges as well. For many LGBT people still choosing with whom they share their sexual orientation, privacy is a paramount concern. It is crucial that networks have adequate privacy controls to ensure that user data is never compromised or unintentionally revealed so that LGBT people always retain control over what information they choose to share.

Open, and just as importantly universal, broadband access across all communications platforms is also a key concern for LGBT people. As mentioned, access to technology has fostered greater acceptance and community for LGBT communities. The internet has been a lifeline for LGBT people in smaller towns and remote communities. Universal open access is key to ensuring that any LGBT person, no matter where located, that desires to do so can have ready access to information without worries about their privacy being compromised or their content being restricted. These are just a couple of the unique issues that have an impact on LGBT communities. The Partnership ensures that these and other issues are adequately addressed on behalf of LGBT communities.

How does the Partnership fulfill the need?

 

The Partnership is the premier organization representing the interests of the LGBT community with regards to communications and technology issues. Through education of members and communications providers, as well as direct engagement with policy makers at the local, state and federal level the Partnership advocates on behalf of the needs of its LGBT members across the country. With the continued and increased adoption of technology, access to faster communications platforms and more reliable and stable services comes greater community connections and empowerment.

Policy Issues

  • Facial Recognition

  • Real Name Policy

  • Ad Tech

  • Digital Marketing

  • Data Collection, Storage + Use

Don't Block LGBT

  • Open Internet for All LGBTQ

  • Don't Block LGBT Act

  • Health Technology

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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International
Federal
State
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Recent Filings

by LGBT Technology Partnership

2024-07-15

LGBT Tech comments on Brazil's Age-verification and Child Privacy Laws

LGBT Tech is dedicated to advancing youth safety worldwide while recognizing the essential balance between safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth and respecting their autonomy and privacy. We are committed to creating an environment where young individuals can confidently explore and express their identities within a framework that values both security and personal freedom.

2024-10-07

LGBT Tech files an amicus brief in NetChoice v. Fitch over HB 1126 in Mississippi which mandates age verification and parental consent online.

This is a continuation of Netchoice’s challenge against Mississippi’s HB 1126 which mandates age verification and parental consent to access social media and other content online, and that requires websites to “prevent or mitigate” minors’ access to vague overbroad categories of protected speech.

2024-08-23

LGBT Tech submitted comments with the goal of providing guidance on how to protect the best interests of children through the work of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

LGBT Tech, a diverse team of experts from multiple backgrounds that belong to the LGBTQ+ community, submits these comments with the goal of providing guidance on how to protect the best interests of children through the work of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC). There are many situations where the data processing of children and adolescents requires greater attention. Canadian policymakers must strike the right balance between privacy, online safety and the preservation of vital online resources that are essential for fostering an inclusive digital space and empowering, rather than endangering, the well-being of Canadian youth.

2024-08-16

LGBT Tech submitted comments in Brazil’s proceeding where the Brazilian government is seeking input on age-verification and child privacy laws

LGBT Tech submitted comments supporting youth safety in Brazil’s proceeding where the Brazilian government is seeking input on age-verification and child privacy laws.

2024-08-16

LGBT Tech joins 101 Organizations requesting that the FY26 President's Budget Request include $40m for the State Department's Global Equality Fund and $40m for USAID Inclusive Development Hub's Protection of LGBTQI+ Persons

LGBT Tech joins 101 organizations respectfully urging the Biden Administration to support increased funding for global LGBTQI+ rights programs at the State Department’s Global Equality Fund to $40 million and USAID’s Inclusive Development Hub’s Protection of LGBTQI+ Persons to $40 million in the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

2024-06-21

LGBT Tech joins letter urging Australia to protect end-to-end encryption in the Online Safety Act review

End-to-end encryption plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security and privacy of millions in Australia. However, the statutory review of the Australian Online Safety Act erroneously characterizes end-to-end encryption as an obstacle to online safety and law enforcement, instead of recognizing that it is essential for online security and weakening it reduces safety for all.

2024-06-18

LGBT Tech Writes Letter In Opposition of AB 3172 Which Poses Potentially Severe Consequences to LGBTQ+ Youth & Content

As advocates for the vital digital rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, including the millions who live in California, we write to respectfully express our deep concerns with the content and potential consequences of AB 3172, and to outline the reasons why we must oppose the bill.
While we understand and agree with the author’s desire to establish protections and safeguards for youth online, we believe that fatal flaws in AB 3172 open the door to dangerous over-moderation and could severely impact the rights and access of online users, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.

2024-05-22

LGBT Tech signs letter in opposition to sunset Section 230 of the Communications Act

LGBT Tech joins coalition in opposing sunset Section 230 of the Communications Act. They believe doing so will jeopardize access to valuable resources online, harming vulnerable communities and guaranteeing round after round of culture war brinkmanship.

2024-06-06

LGBT Tech Files Comments on the Communications Marketplace with the FCC

LGBT Tech has just filed comments with the FCC highlighting the critical role of broadband access for the LGBTQ+ community. Our filing addresses how connectivity is a lifeline for marginalized individuals.

2024-05-30

LGBT Tech, in collaboration with Data for Progress, releases First-of-Its-Kind Survey on Digital Lives of LGBTQ+ Adults

Amid rising concerns about digital equity and inclusion, this research underscores the critical need for ensuring robust digital access and safe online spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. The research, titled “ctrl-alt+lgbt,” illustrates the profound impact of digital connectivity on the LGBTQ+ community’s daily life, communication, health, education, and employment.

2024-05-06

LGBT Tech Joins a Coalition of Tech, LGBTQ, Civil Society Groups Opposing KOSA Amendment to FAA Reauthorization

In a letter to Senate leaders, the groups voiced concerns that the legislation would give enormous powers to state attorneys general with a history of radical anti-LGBTQ policymaking, ultimately eliminating access to resources and communities for vulnerable Americans.

2024-04-12

LGBT Tech signs letter in opposition to SB 158

Our opposition to this bill, in its present state, arises from the undefined age verification requirements imposed on social media platforms, its concerning parental control provisions and ambiguous criteria for “sexual content,” and the bill’s infringement on First Amendment rights – which doom it to a protracted and unwinnable legal battle, if passed. While we appreciate the amendments that have been oered, they fail to address the fundamental challenges of this bill, nor do they alleviate our apprehensions about its repercussions.

2024-04-16

LGBT Tech signs onto a bill opposing SB 1076

On behalf of the consumer protection, economic justice, and civil rights groups herein, we strongly urge you to oppose SB 1076, authored by Senator Wilk. This bill attempts to undermine and weaken the California Delete Act (SB 362), passed in 2023 to empower Californians to protect their personal information from data brokers with an updated data broker registry and a one-click “delete” button to remove their information from every registered data broker.

2024-03-25

LGBT Tech Statement & Letter on Colorado S.B. 158

LGBT Tech urges lawmakers to conduct a thorough review and revision of S.B. 158 to mitigate these concerns, and has sent a letter outlining these concerns to the Colorado Senate Committee for Business, Labor, & Technology, the offices of the Colorado Governor and Attorney General, and members of the Colorado LGBTQ+ Caucus.

2024-03-19

LGBT Tech joins in signing a Public Comment Letter in Response to the Department of State Acquisition Regulation: Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance.

We believe that all people—including LGBTQI+ people—deserve equitable, meaningful access to services, programs, and employment funded by American foreign assistance no matter where they may be.

2024-02-15

LGBT Tech has partnered with a coalition of civil organizations in filing an amicus brief in NetChoice v. Bonita

In the fight to ensure that marginalized individuals and the content they rely on are protected from undue censorship online, LGBT Tech has partnered with a coalition of civil organizations in filing an amicus brief in NetChoice v. Bonita

2024-01-11

LGBT Tech signs letter in opposition to SB 454

A coalition led by Chamber of Progress sends letter opposing SB 454, a different Florida bill that would require social media companies to prevent youth access to content related to sexual exploitation and give parents more control over teens’ accounts.

2024-01-04

LGBT Tech joins Garden State Equality and Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ Call On State Legislature To Reject Restrictions on Internet Access

Garden State Equality and Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ today urged the State Legislature to reject a bill that would impose highly restrictive regulations on Internet access. The bill, A5750/S4215, would have New Jersey join the ranks of states like Utah and Arkansas by requiring age verification for anyone using social media.

2023-12-08

LGBT Tech joins a coalition of a dozen tech and civil society groups submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in NetChoice & CCIA v. Moody / Paxton

LGBT Tech joins a coalition of a dozen tech and civil society groups submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in NetChoice & CCIA v. Moody / Paxton, urging the Court to overturn Texas and Florida anti-content moderation laws. The brief argues that the Court should affirm platforms’ First Amendment right to curate content and highlights the impact of anti-content moderation laws on marginalized groups.

2023-11-17

LGBT Tech joins the Chamber of Progress & Fight For The Future to call on Senate leadership to stop the Eyes on the Board Act.

Last month, a group of Republicans led by Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Eyes on the Board Act. The bill, which would strip away E-Rate funding from schools and libraries unless they block access to social media sites, represents an escalation in the ongoing assault on libraries and teens’ access to information across the country. For children in low-income communities who depend on subsidized internet access and
social media for education and connection, this bill amounts to a digital book ban.

April 12, 2021

U.S. Census Bureau request for comments on the proposed revision of
the American Community Survey

LGBT Tech is dedicated to advancing youth safety worldwide while recognizing the essential balance between safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth and respecting their autonomy and privacy. We are committed to creating an environment where young individuals can confidently explore and express their identities within a framework that values both security and personal freedom.

April 16, 2021

Inclusion of SOGI data in health IT

LGBT Tech is dedicated to advancing youth safety worldwide while recognizing the essential balance between safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth and respecting their autonomy and privacy. We are committed to creating an environment where young individuals can confidently explore and express their identities within a framework that values both security and personal freedom.

Recent Sign-Ons

by LGBT Technology Institute

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