To explore how new technology affects society, privacy, government and public policy, the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and UCLA School of Law launched the UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy in January 2020. The cross-disciplinary institute examines advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, robotics and new forms of digital media to identify the benefits and risks they represent.
The institute is one of a number of UCLA programs focused on the intersection of technology and policy, including UCLA Law’s AI PULSE project and Climate Engineering Governance Project; the UCLA Samueli Engineering-led Named Data Networking; and the Center for Research in Engineering, Media and Performance, a joint effort of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television and UCLA Engineering.
Policy at the Speed of Tech
AI, algorithms and other advances are disrupting society, privacy, commerce and the law. The Institute for Technology, Law & Policy examines emerging issues in a rapidly changing environment.
ITLP produces podcasts featuring a series of conversations with thought leaders on important topics at the intersection of technology, law, and policy. Watch or listen to the podcasts.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Julia Powles
Executive Director, UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy
“I am incredibly invigorated by the opportunity to build on ITLP’s excellent foundations and to carve a vital, embedded, Southern Californian counterweight in tech policy. At such a consequential time, I cannot wait to work with our brilliant students and faculty to deliver on real and urgent needs.” Powles says.
An international research leader in law and technology, Powles most recently worked as a law professor at the University of Western Australia, where she directed the UWA Tech & Policy Lab. With expertise in privacy, intellectual property, cybersecurity, internet law and health law, she has made significant contributions to the governance of digital technologies across three continents, as a research academic and through notable roles in government, law, journalism and international policy.
CO-DIRECTOR
Mark McKenna
Director, UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy
Vice Dean of Faculty & Intellectual Life
Professor of Law
“To spur innovation and fully realize the extraordinary potential that technology can offer, we cannot look at technology alone,” Villasenor said. “We must also look at the role of legal and policy frameworks.”
Villasenor’s work lies at the intersection of technology, policy, law, and business — with a focus on communications and information technologies and their broader ramifications. Learn more about Prof. Villasenor and his research in this exclusive interview.
2025 UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy Fellowship
The UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy is now accepting fellowship applications with a target start date of January 2025. This fellowship is a full-time, two-year academic position at UCLA School of Law.
The Policy Fellow will undertake a range of research, writing, teaching, and public policy engagement tasks in support of the Institute for Technology, Law & Policy’s mission and mandate. The fellowship will also involve student engagement and assisting with other Institute projects, such as conferences, workshops, and the development of new research and funding proposals. We are particularly interested in applicants with an interest in the ethics and social impact challenges in the development of new technologies, or privacy and data protection, though we are open to applications from students pursuing research in any area of the law and technology space. We are also open to applicants interested in a variety of career paths, including related to potential careers in the non-profit or regulatory sectors, in addition to those pursuing a traditional academic track.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by Sunday, June 16, 2024, but will be considered thereafter until the position is filled.
Applicants should apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09371.
Visit our website at for more information about the Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy: https://itlp.law.ucla.edu/.
