Daniel O’Maley
Director for Technology and Democracy
Daniel O’Maley is the Director for Technology and Democracy at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), where he leads efforts to foster cutting-edge programming that supports civil society at the intersection of technology and democracy. With over a decade of experience at the forefront of global tech policy and internet governance, O’Maley’s work is pivotal in linking NED’s grantmaking and research efforts to ensure impactful support for democracy worldwide.
In his role, O’Maley leads institutional strategy to help global civil society actors leverage technology to promote democratic values and governance. He integrates multiple strands of NED’s work to ensure impactful, targeted, and forward-leaning efforts in technology and democracy. As the primary liaison for the organization’s engagement and partnerships with leading technology companies, non-profits, governments, and other donors, he plays a key role in facilitating collaboration and innovation in the technology space.
An active participant in global digital governance conversations, O’Maley has shared his insights at prominent international forums, including the UN’s Internet Governance Forum, RightsCon, and the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa. Additionally, he has served for five years as an elected co-chair of the IGF’s Dynamic Coalition on Journalism and News Media, steering a diverse multistakeholder group to foster inclusive and forward-thinking discussions about the future of news online.
Formerly Senior Digital Governance Specialist at NED’s Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), O’Maley spearheaded projects at the intersection of technology, news media, and freedom of expression online. He authored comprehensive reports and articles addressing key issues such as net neutrality, digital privacy, surveillance, content moderation, and the role of encrypted messaging apps in news dissemination.
O’Maley holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Vanderbilt University. His academic research explored how Brazilian digital rights activists use the internet and social media to enhance citizen participation in policymaking. His diverse career has also included roles at the Center for International Private Enterprise, the Progressive Policy Institute, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and he has been a recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship.
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