Digital Progress Institute

A think tank that seeks to bridge the policy divide between #telecom and #tech through bipartisan consensus.

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

We greatly appreciate @DuckDuckGo’s generous contribution to DPI. We are dedicated to promoting bipartisan solutions in the tech and telecom legal and policy spaces and are thankful for our continued partnership!

[DuckDuckGo @DuckDuckGo]

We're proud to donate $1M to a diverse group of organizations around the world that promote privacy, digital rights, access to information online, and a healthier online ecosystem.

This is made possible through your support of DuckDuckGo, thank you! 🎉

https://t.co/SgAYWp1BYN

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

Apple and Google face no competition and no accountability. The App Store Accountability Act would make them accurately rate apps so nudify apps aren't downloaded by and marketed to children.

The Open App Markets Act would give parents alternatives to the failed duopoly.

[Tech Transparency Project @TTP_updates]

NEW: Users as young as 13 can access dozens of nudify apps on both Apple and Google phones, even when parental controls are enabled, a new TTP report finds. https://t.co/7CAluPR246

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

I very much enjoyed the vigorous debate and thank @nancyscola, @ITIFdc, and @JosephVConiglio for inviting me on. It is my firm belief that civil and honest discourse advances good policy and a healthy democracy. Although I come out on the other end of Joe, I appreciate his views and think folks will appreciate the conversation.

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

Another banger!

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

🎙️FCC just overhauled its satellite licensing rules, replacing decades-old regs with an "assembly line."

With companies lining up to launch orbital data centers and manufacturing satellites, how is the FCC responding? I'm joined by Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz.

Full show👇

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

Congrats, Ethan!

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

@DigitalProInst team outing to celebrate Ethan finishing his internship with us and his acceptance to @GeorgetownLaw! Congratulations, Ethan! We know you’ll do big things! @iamkimkeenan @NickDegani

[Nathan Leamer @NathanLeamerDC]

With all the discussion around protecting kids online, I am encouraged to see @BrendanCarrFCC review whether or not federal subsidies for schools are leading to good outcomes or if there is opportunity to reform the E-Rate program.

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

Thank you, @BrendanCarrFCC, for standing up for parents and kids! Proud to support you and the FCC’s in this effort that will help so many American families!

[Brendan Carr @BrendanCarrFCC]

Thank you to the Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst in particular for your leading work on excessive screen time and for standing together with a broad coalition of stakeholders and individuals pushing for better educational outcomes.

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman! @DigitalProInst is glad to support you on this important issue that matters to so many parents and kids across the country!

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

Fifth Circuit per curium order is published on the App Store Accountability Act’s constitutionality. I’ll let the court opinion speak for itself. 🧵

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

When chatbots encourage minors to self-harm, the tragedies raise uncomfortable questions about AI and free speech.

🎧On the latest episode of The Center Edge, I discuss the Post-Human First Amendment w/@johnehrett and @AmerCompass's Brad Littlejohn.

https://t.co/S9e1of6sNW

[Nathan Leamer @NathanLeamerDC]

Best think tank podcast out there right now!

I’m excited @SayreEvan is finally able to build the show DC policy world needs.

Kudos to @DigitalProInst for building this capacity.

Well done, friends!

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

We’re honored to sponsor! Check out @SayreEvan’s first episode with @BrendanCarrFCC!

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

🚨New podcast launched: The Center Edge.

Tech policy gets made in the center. The rhetoric lives at the edge. This show is about both.

👇Episode 1 with Chair @BrendanCarrFCC is out now —drones, routers, satellites, and evolving Republican approaches to leading the agency.

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

@DigitalProInst is proud to sponsor this excellent and important podcast. @SayreEvan is an incredible talent and a highly regarded voice in DC. Given the lineup he has in store, I’m certain everyone’s wit will be sharpened by listening to the Center Edge!

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

Under @AFergusonFTC, the agency is doing vital work—including to protect consumers from deceptive billing and junk fees, ensure delivery drivers get what they're promised, and enforce child privacy law.

@JonSchweppe is right: the FTC needs more funding.

See his Substack👇️

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

“The lesson is clear. When policymakers make more licensed spectrum available, streamline deployment rules, and allow markets to function, investment follows. That drives competition. And when companies compete, consumers benefit.”

As always, @AjitPai is correct!

https://t.co/awqZHnW4fZ

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

We are proud to stand alongside groups on both sides of the aisle to promote robust competition in the tech space! We hope Congress moves expeditiously to make these bills law!

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

🧵Bipartisan coalition to @SenJudiciaryGOP: reintroduce the American Innovation and Choice Online Act.

Led by @DigitalProInst and @publicknowledge, the letter says AICOA would reduce consumer costs and address anti-competitive harms to small businesses.

@BenBrodyDC's report👇

[Joel Thayer @joellthayer]

It was great to interview my good friend FTC Commissioner @MeadorFTC at @MooseInstitute’s America First Antitrust Forum!

Commissioner Meador gave an excellent overview of why antitrust’s true goal is to protect everyday Americans and families. He also described how he and @AFergusonFTC are leveraging both competition and consumer protection authorities under Section 5 of the FTC Act to advance those America First objectives.

Honored to be a part of this fantastic summit!

[Evan Swarztrauber @SayreEvan]

Thanks to @AidenBuzzetti and @MooseInstitute for hosting a fantastic summit on antitrust. It was a pleasure to moderate this panel on bottlenecks to innovation.
Speakers with deep expertise covered antitrust issues around chips, app stores, IP, standards bodies, and more.

[Nathan Leamer @NathanLeamerDC]

Lots of truth here, I’ve found many older DC institutions require heavy investment to get their attention. Meaning the only way to leverage their distinguished office space or cafeteria is with a ridiculously significant contribution.

Newer orgs that are based on an individual with drive, a newsletter, as well as an incredible network on hill and in the admin can accomplish so much more for a fraction of the contribution.

They are the start ups of Massachusetts Ave.

A great example of this is @DigitalProInst. In just a couple years they have become the most trusted think tank on telecom matters.

Why? Because they are go getters who churn. Working towards the next policy win, not an institution that lives off their legacy.

[Digital Progress Institute @DigitalProInst]

DPI board member Grace Koh just testified before @SenateCommerce on the US’s prep for World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).

Key takeaways:
✅ start earlier

✅ protect process integrity

✅ build coalitions now

✅ prepare for a tougher Shanghai environment

✅ sustain U.S. leadership at the International Telecommunication Union.

WRC outcomes shape the future of global wireless—getting this right matters!

https://t.co/t43T0n5vu4