Discover the Future of Digital Privacy at a Free Panel Discussion with State and Local Experts 

Privacy. AI. Data Protection. These concepts are shaping the way we interact with technology, protect personal information, and safeguard consumer rights in our increasingly connected world.  
Are you curious about how Washington State and the City of Seattle are navigating this digital frontier? Join us for an enlightening panel discussion at the Seattle Public Library about the future of privacy. 

Privacy Landscape: State and Local Perspectives 

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 28th  

⏰ Time: 6–7 p.m.  

📍 Location: Level 1 Auditorium, Seattle Public Library (Central Location), 1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104 

Admission is free, and it’s your chance to hear from some of the most knowledgeable experts in our community on privacy and technology. Get more details and add the event to your calendar here.

Get more details here

City of Seattle Recognized as a 2024 National Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Seattle a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their government and are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation.

Seattle was recognized for its work with Technology Matching Fund and Digital Navigator grants, policy work, engagement in local, state, and national networks, Tech Adoption Research, and formal strategic plans, like Internet for All.

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Technology Matching Fund grant winner: EchoX, the Ethnic Cultural Heritage Online Exchange 

EchoX, a nonprofit organization in Seattle, was founded ten years ago to increase the online presence of cultural communities throughout Seattle and the broader region. The organization focuses on expanding digital access and literacy for BIPOC teens, providing free, culturally responsive, intersectional programs and services.  

Earlier this year, EchoX was awarded a $30,000 TMF grant for its outreach to youth and young adults. The TMF funding helped the organization with three specific projects.  

First, they redesigned their website into a user-friendly resource that connects communities in a multi-culturally rich way: www.echoX.org. Check it out—it’s beautiful!  

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Yes, Data Privacy is Still Possible in 2025

by Jim Loter

I have the honor to be teaching a class at the University of Washington on the policy and ethics of information management. Obviously, issues related to privacy and surveillance are on heavy rotation within the topics that are being discussed by my students, who aspire to be product developers, cybersecurity professionals, and user experience designers. It’s timely that Data Privacy Week falls within this quarter so that we can have a relevant opportunity to examine the ethical issues of safeguarding data and enabling trust.

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And the nominees are...

We're pretty proud of a couple of ORBIE Award nominations! Rob Lloyd, our Chief Technology Officer, and Greg Smith, our Chief Information Security Officer, have been named finalists for the prestigious 2025 Pacific Northwest ORBIE Awards in the large enterprise category. Rob is recognized in the CIO category, while Greg shines in the CISO category. For over 25 years, the ORBIE Awards have spotlighted exceptional IT leaders who drive innovation, demonstrate visionary leadership, and create transformational impact in the technology and cybersecurity space. This recognition is a testament to Rob and Greg's dedication to advancing tech excellence and security in our organization and beyond. The winners will be announced at the ORBIE Awards in mid-April — stay tuned and join us in congratulating Rob and Greg on this remarkable achievement! Read more about the ORBIE Awards