Joint Center Tech Policy Director Participated in Lightning Talk at 2025 State of the Net Conference

Joint Center’s Tech Policy Director, Danielle A. Davis, Esq., delivered a Lightning Talk at this year’s State of the Net Conference, earning one of only 15 spots out of over 100 submissions.

Lightning Talks are fast-paced, high-impact presentations that distill complex issues into just five minutes, making selection a significant honor.

Titled “Beyond the Algorithm: Safeguarding Children in the Age of Character AI,” Davis’s talk focused on the tragic death of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer, who committed suicide following a conversation with an AI chatbot. This devastating incident emphasizes the dangers of relying on AI for emotional support and raises urgent questions about the responsibility of tech platforms, the limitations of AI, and the need for parents to guide their children’s digital interactions. By exploring these dynamics, Davis’s talk sparked a critical conversation on AI accountability, digital safety, and the role of parents in an era where technology is shaping young lives in unprecedented ways.

Watch it below.