Data for Good and the Need for a National Strategy

Data has long been a driver of the United States’ 21st century economic leadership in analytics in the areas of financial inclusion, public health, and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has further brought to light just how important the use of data is to mitigate the effects of the disease, tracking and slowing its spread, and promoting economic recovery.

In order for Americans to continue to reap these vital benefits, C_TEC calls for a national data strategy:

  • National Data Privacy Legislation: In order to spur innovation and provide certainty to consumers and businesses, Congress must pass national data privacy legislation that protects all Americans equally and eliminates a patchwork of state laws. Privacy legislation should provide consumers with easy to understand rights and businesses with clear obligations.
  • Artificial Intelligence: To ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI applications and position the U.S. as a global AI leader, policymakers must embrace commonsense regulatory approaches, invest in AI research and development and open government data, and lead in the creation of AI standards.
  • Information Technology Modernization: Government IT systems have lagged behind the private sector in terms of modernization. Congress and the administration must take a proactive approach to providing funding to upgrade federal systems.