Emma Llanso

Center for Democracy & Technology — Director, Free Expression Project



Emma Llansó is the Director of CDT’s Free Expression Project, where she works to promote law and policy that support Internet users’ free expression rights in the United States, Europe, and around the world. Emma’s work spans many subjects, including human trafficking, privacy and online harassment, online child safety, terrorist propaganda, and disinformation. In particular, she focuses on the capabilities and limitations of machine learning techniques and other forms of automation in content moderation and analysis of online speech. Emma leads CDT’s work focused on protecting fundamental rights to freedom of expression and preserving strong intermediary liability protections as a core element of legal frameworks that support free expression online. This work includes legislative advocacy, amicus activity, and engagement in multistakeholder initiatives. Emma also works with user-generated content services and other stakeholders to develop content policy best practices, including meaningful transparency, appeals, and remedy procedures. Among other projects, Emma was deeply involved in the development of the Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability in Content Moderation. Emma earned a BA in anthropology from the University of Delaware and a JD from Yale Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar. Emma joined CDT in 2009. She is also an adjunct professor in the Communication, Culture & Technology masters program at Georgetown University.

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