Jessica Vitak

Jessica Vitak is an Associate Professor in the College of Information Studies and an affiliate professor in the Communication Department at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on the privacy and ethical implications of smart technologies, including big data, the internet of things (IoT), and AI. She investigates how privacy concerns influence technology adoption and develops educational tools to enhance privacy literacy, particularly for children and adults. Key themes include smart home privacy, workplace surveillance, and ethical AI practices. Vitak’s work bridges technology design, societal impact, and regulatory frameworks to promote responsible innovation.

Her research interests span privacy in sociotechnical systems, digital equity, and the ethical challenges of emerging technologies. She has explored topics such as privacy risks in smart cities, mitigation strategies for marginalized communities, and the ethical use of data in public transit systems. Vitak also examines how organizations and individuals navigate privacy trade-offs in contexts like remote education and post-pandemic workplaces.

Through collaborative projects like the BALTO toolkit, she advocates for equitable data practices in public infrastructure. Her recent articles emphasize privacy education, AI governance, and the intersection of technology with social equity. Vitak actively participates in discussions about ethics in computing research and peer review reform.