Join the CITRIS Tech Policy Initiative on Tuesday, December 8, for a conversation on the challenges of governing artificial intelligence, featuring California State Chief Information Officer Chris Given in discussion with CITRIS Executive Director Camille Crittenden.
As AI reshapes government, industry and everyday life, policymakers face increasingly complex questions about how to address both catastrophic risks and immediate public harms. This installment of Tech Policy Conversations will bring together leaders from government, industry, civil society and academia to examine emerging approaches to AI safety, accountability and responsible innovation.
The program will feature a cross-sector panel exploring policy priorities ranging from California’s frontier AI safety legislation (SB 53) to automated decision-making, algorithmic bias and online safety for children. Panelists will discuss how collaboration across sectors can help establish effective safeguards while supporting innovation in the public interest.
Panelists include:
- Vera Zakem, California Department of Technology
- Margaret Tucker, GitHub
- Robbie Torney, Common Sense Media
- Will Fithian, UC Berkeley
The event will also feature lightning presentations highlighting university-led tech policy initiatives, followed by a reception and student research poster showcase.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Banatao Auditorium, Sutardja Dai Hall, UC Berkeley