Improving Cybersecurity & Addressing Digital Threats from Emerging Technology
It’s been just over five years since Craig Newmark Philanthropies made its first groundbreaking investment in Consumer Reports (CR). Craig and CR CEO Marta Tellado mapped out a vision to take CR’s historic work for safer products, and expand and scale that work for the digital era.
Since this initial investment, CR has tested more than 1,500 models of internet-connected products, digital apps and services for consumer privacy, safety and security, sparking a race to the top of companies seeking to improve their products, like smart TVs and video doorbells; created new tools for the digital age such as Permission Slip, Security Planner and AskCR, to empower the next generation of consumers to control their own personal data and safeguard their digital security; and successfully advocated for new laws across the country that strengthen data privacy rights for millions of consumers.
Today, we’re pleased to announce a new investment of $5 million from Craig Newmark Philanthropies that will accelerate CR’s vision of a digital marketplace where safety, cybersecurity, and transparency are standard across products and services, from connected devices and money apps to the newest artificial intelligence (AI) agents.
This work will include the development of tools for consumers to stay secure from cyber attacks. CR will conduct new investigations of cyber harms, AI systems, and privacy concerns, and expand its evaluations of online marketplaces and fintech services. CR uses these findings to go directly to companies to advocate for better products, and press governments for higher standards that put consumers first.
Newmark, the founder of craigslist and former CR board member, said, “I’m committed to helping CR advance critical consumer protections in the digital marketplace — from protecting Americans from cyber harms to rooting out the unfair biases of AI. We’re seeing an unprecedented number of cyber attacks, and there’s a flood of AI tools and money apps that promise big benefits for consumers. CR is doing the hard work to uncover hidden problems, test the guardrails, and advocate for change.”
He continued: “Defending our country in cyberspace requires action from both consumers and industry, and Consumer Reports is well positioned to do both. CR helped get Americans safer cars, and they remind us to buckle up. This latest initiative is part of the same tradition – getting companies to step up for cybersecurity, and educating people to stay safe and secure online.”
This investment from Newmark Philanthropies comes at a critical time for consumers, as CR’s new research found that nearly half of Americans have experienced cyberattacks or digital scams. These threats can have devastating consequences for consumers and our national security. Black and Hispanic Americans who experienced a digital attack or scam were twice as likely to lose money compared to white Americans who experienced a similar incident.
CR CEO Tellado said: “Craig Newmark is a champion for the safety and security of all consumers, and he’s dedicated to taking on the emerging threats in our digital marketplace. This investment in Consumer Reports’ future is a pivotal step toward creating a market that better serves the needs of people, by boosting cybersecurity, transparency, privacy and fairness.”
Tellado, who has announced she is planning to step down after ten years of leadership at CR, has made the digital marketplace one of her top priorities during her tenure, and this partnership has been essential to that effort. She said: “I’m enormously grateful for Craig’s generous support, and for our shared vision for how CR can continue to make a meaningful impact for digital rights.”
Stay tuned here for new updates as we embark on this latest journey with Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
