Daniel Castro
Vice President and Director, Center for Data Innovation
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-626-5742
Twitter: @castrotech
Daniel Castro is vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and director of ITIF's Center for Data Innovation.
Castro writes and speaks on a variety of issues related to information technology and internet policy, including privacy, security, intellectual property, Internet governance, e-government, and accessibility for people with disabilities. His work has been quoted and cited in numerous media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, USA Today, Bloomberg News, and Bloomberg Businessweek. In 2013, Castro was named to FedScoop’s list of the “top 25 most influential people under 40 in government and tech.” In 2015, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker appointed Castro to the Commerce Data Advisory Council.
Castro previously worked as an IT analyst at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) where he audited IT security and management controls at various government agencies. He contributed to GAO reports on the state of information security at a variety of federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, Castro was a visiting scientist at the Software Engineering Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, where he developed virtual training simulations to provide clients with hands-on training of the latest information security tools.
He has a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University and an M.S. in information security technology and management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Research Areas
Recent Publications
Letter in Support of the “The Future of AI Innovation Act”
This legislation lays out a proactive agenda to foster responsible AI development and deployment in the United States.
Analysis of Weakening or Repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has played a significant role in the development of the Internet. Proposed changes to weaken or repeal it would have a significant economic impact on online services, business users, and consumers.
Tracking AI Incidents and Vulnerabilities
Congress should charge the newly created AI Safety Institute housed at NIST with creating a national AI incident database and a national AI vulnerability database.
Comments to NTIA on Dual Use Foundation Artificial Intelligence Models With Widely Available Model Weights
U.S. policymakers should learn lessons from past debates about dual-use technologies, such as encryption, and refrain from imposing restrictions on foundation models with widely available model weights (i.e. “open models”) because such policies would not only be ultimately ineffective at addressing risk, but they would slow innovation, reduce competition, and decrease U.S. competitiveness.
What’s Next After the Two Sessions for AI in China
A look at the proposals put forth during China's major annual political convening give hints as to what the government may focus on in the year ahead, which includes AI model development, data sharing, skills development, and safety.
US Policymakers Should Reject “Kill Switches” for AI
The proposed “kill switches” for AI potentially inflict considerable costs on U.S. chipmakers—thereby making their products less competitive and raising computing costs globally. But it would also raise concerns for both domestic and foreign users that the U.S. government could unilaterally shut down their computing clusters. U.S. policymakers should soundly reject these proposals.
China’s Annual Parliamentary Meeting Shows National Commitment to Advancing AI
Unlike the United States or the European Union, the primary focus among stakeholders in China was how to ensure China does not fall behind in the development or adoption of this emerging technology.
Joe Biden Did Not Approve This Fake Message
During his State of the Union address, President Biden called for banning AI voice impersonation. He was wrong to do so. Banning AI is a bunch of malarkey.
Comments to the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition on Virtual Worlds and Generative AI
The market for AR/VR technologies, though nascent, presents a multifaceted competitive landscape spanning hardware, software, and distribution. And the generative AI market is experiencing early-stage growth with no significant entry barriers evident, particularly concerning data, computational resources, and talent.
US Policymakers Should Fight Back Against EU Attacks on America’s Tech Sector
If U.S. policymakers do not step up to address the threat that European laws and regulations pose to U.S. economic interests, then the EU will only increase the size and severity of its fines and other confiscatory actions.
The EU’s AI Act Creates Regulatory Complexity for Open-Source AI
The EU's AI Act will significantly impact the development and use of open-source AI in the EU.
Comments to the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology Regarding the AI and Data Act
If the proposed the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) is implemented as is, Canada may not be able to fully realize the economic benefits that AI will bring.
Recent Events and Presentations
Harnessing AI for Carbon Neutrality
Watch now for a panel discussion to explore the current landscape of AI applications in transitioning to a greener economy, identify key areas ripe for further exploration, and discuss actionable policy measures to foster innovation and adoption.
Generative AI and Congressional Action
Daniel Castro and Aswin Prabhakar speak at Broadband Breakfast's panel on generative AI and how that may impact legislation and congressional action this year.
Youth Online Safety at the 20th Annual State of the Net Conference
Daniel Castro spoke at the 20th Annual State of the Net Conference, joining an expert panel to discuss age verification, privacy, and free speech for youth online.
Unveiling AI Policy Insights: Global Trends and Regulatory Strategies
Daniel Castro speaks at the 34th Annual Greek Economic Summit on global AI policy.
Building the Foundations for a Successful Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges
Daniel Castro speaks on a panel about how policymakers can support societal and economic benefits from the metaverse at an event in Washington, D.C. sponsored by The Economist.
Agreeing to Disagree: The Need for More Interoperable Tech Policies
Watch now for a panel discussion about the increasingly complex web of laws and regulations impacting the digital economy and the benefits, risks, and opportunities of creating more compatible tech policies.
AR/VR Policy Conference 2023
Join the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and the XR Association for the third annual AR/VR Policy Conference. The event will feature a series of expert talks and panels discussing critical policy questions covering:
Unveiling AI Policy Insights: Global Trends and Regulatory Strategies
Daniel Castro speaks about global trends in AI regulation in the United States, Europe, and Asia at a webinar hosted by FiscalNote.
Innovation Highway: Unlocking the Social and Economic Benefits of Autonomous Vehicles
Daniel Castro speaks about autonomous vehicle adoption at an event hosted by U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Blockchain Tech Revolution
Daniel Castro speaks about blockchain technology on a panel at NALEO's 40th Annual Conference in New York City.
Does the US Need a New AI Regulator?
Watch the Center for Data Innovation and R Street's webinar where they discussed the potential costs and benefits of creating a new AI regulator in the United States, the extent to which regulators can address AI risks today, and what additional tools or resources might be necessary to hold companies accountable for their use of AI.
Should AI Be Regulated?
Daniel Castro speaks about whether AI should be regulated at an event hosted by Broadband Breakfast and moderated by The Hill's Technology Policy Reporter Rebecca Klar.