ACM US Technology Policy Committee

The ACM US Technology Policy Committee (USTPC) is a leading independent and nonpartisan voice in addressing US public policy issues related to computing and information technology. The Committee regularly educates and informs Congress, the Administration, and the courts about significant developments in the computing field and how those developments affect public policy in the United States.

The explosion in the development and application of technology in recent years has been paralleled by a rapid growth in related public policy issues. The Committee draws from the deep technical expertise of its members to provide research, policy guidance, recommendations, and resources to US policy leaders, stakeholders, and the public on a wide range of science and technology topics impacting computing.

Its membership of 100+ computing experts includes a diverse community of managers, practitioners, researchers, and other professionals from industry, academia, government, and the nonprofit sector. They bring expertise in varied areas, including algorithmic accountability, artificial intelligence, big data and analytics, privacy, security, accessibility, digital governance, intellectual property, voting systems, and tech law.

As the internet is global, the ACM US Technology Policy Committee works with the other ACM policy entities on publications and projects related to cross-border issues, such as cybersecurity, encryption, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and internet governance.

How USTPC Engages in Public Policy

The ACM US Technology Policy Committee carries out its mission by responding to requests for authoritative technical expertise and guidance, publishing and distributing its materials, presenting findings at policy briefings, participating in public meetings, and engaging with a range of stakeholders. The Committee also advances public policy through educational programs and collaborations with other ACM policy entities, special interest groups, task forces, and committees.

A member-driven process produces policy statements, reports, and guidance. Internal policy discussions are conducted in subject-specific standing committees and working groups, each led by an experienced expert in that field. The internal discussions strive to focus on the technical issues and to achieve consensus across the range of viewpoints. The resulting policy guidance and recommendations need to be consistent with the mission and core principles of the ACM US Technology Policy Committee and the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The ACM Council and Executive Committee review and vote on whether to approve and adopt policy statements and reports in accordance with the ACM US Technology Policy Committee operating procedures.

Leadership and Committees

The ACM US Technology Policy Committee is composed of an Executive Committee responsible for strategic directions, as well as members who participate in committees and working groups. Its Chair is appointed by the ACM President.

Find Public Policy Statements

Public policy statements provide guiding principles for policy leaders, research summaries, best practices, and discussion of technology policy topics, as informed by scientific and technical knowledge. Browse policy statements

Find Public Policy Reports

Reports and white papers provide an in-depth look at emergent technology issues that government officials should consider when formulating public policies. Browse policy reports

Request Input from Our Technical Experts

Are you a government official or policy leader in need of nonpartisan expert input or guidance in an area of computing and technology? Contact the ACM Public Policy Office at [email protected].

Stay Up-to-Date with Tech Policy Blog

Stay informed of ACM’s technology policy activities and the latest public policy developments. Learn how ACM promotes computing policy issues, educates policymakers, and shapes public policies in areas important to the computing community and society. Read the blog.

Read the Global Technology Policy Newsletter

This monthly newsletter brings you important updates on ACM’s public policy activities and major policy developments from around the world. Read this month's newsletter.