UC Irvine Law launches Center for Technology & Justice

UC Irvine School of Law has launched the Center for Technology & Justice, a research institute directed by Professor Ari Waldman that will examine how technology shapes law and society.

"The Law School has long been a hub for studying issues impacting law and society, as well as the changing impact of technology on law and our society," said Austen Parrish, dean and chancellor's professor of law. "Professor Waldman's important work will be amplified through the ambitious projects of the Center, and I'm eager to see the tremendous impact it will have."

The center will focus on three initiatives: The Futures Project will bring together scholars, policymakers, and civil society to create frameworks for privacy, AI, and tech governance. The Information Theory Project will create legal doctrines for emerging tech issues. The Youth Privacy Project will draft state laws to protect minors from exploitative data practices.

"My hope is that the Center generates ideas that have an impact in our community and beyond," Waldman said. "Our goal is nothing short of developing a better way to understand and address the ways in which some technologies are doing harm to our kids, our freedom, and our democracy. Our students will work closely with faculty to change the world."

The center will partner with the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative to research digital abuse in LGBTQ communities and offer student research fellowships on privacy, intellectual property and finance. It will host an annual lecture and conference featuring scholars and policymakers.

Waldman, a law and sociology professor, authored three books on privacy and data law. His research examines privacy, AI, misinformation, and technology's impact on marginalized communities.