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Juan Ortiz Freuler

Juan Ortiz FreulerJuan Ortiz FreulerJuan Ortiz Freuler
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About Me

I’m  a PhD candidate in Communication at USC’s Annenberg School, where I  explore how digital infrastructures reshape power dynamics and democratic governance. My research is focused at the intersection of tech policy, law, and communication theory, where I reflect on questions such as: How can governments secure their digital autonomy in a world where technological dependence is weaponized? How do apps acquire and manage such a central role in digital environments?  How does the overarching process of datafication impact on human rights practice?  I approach these questions by relying on empirical analysis and political economy frameworks. 


Much of my research agenda is rooted in my prior and ongoing engagement with policymakers and human rights practitioners. I’ve coordinated the deployment of tools like UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators in Argentina; designed and managed the process that led to the Contract for the Web,  a global initiative to protect digital rights, launched by web inventor Tim Berners-Lee; and led workshops where human rights activists and policymakers explored trends in digital rights and human rights in order to re-design their strategic approaches to urgent problems. I have also been a fellow (2017-2018) and affiliate at the Harvard Berkman Klein Center (2019-2024) and a Policy Fellow with Google (2016). Throughout, I explored how major ICT developments are reverberating across our societies.  Earlier, I worked with civil society groups in Latin America, developing digital tools and monitoring judicial appointments, and exposing gaps in digital inclusion policies, among others projects. These projects helped me understand how bureaucracies operate, and taught me the value of bridging academic frameworks with bottom-up participatory practices, a balance I aim to  keep in my current role as co-initiator the Non-Aligned Tech Movement, a  network of 100+ researchers and practitioners re-imagining tech futures.


Trained  in law (Torcuato Di Tella), policy (Oxford Blavatnik School), and internet  studies (Oxford Internet Institute), I thrive in interdisciplinary  spaces. If you’re curious about internet governance, AI deployments by  government, or how China-US rivalries are impacting the Global  Majority's access to technology, let’s connect! I’m always eager to chat  over coffee, zoom,  or email/signal.

See also:

🎙️ MEDIA & PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIP
📊 PRESENTATIONS

📚 RESEARCH

2025 - Juan Ortiz-Freuler - CC-BY - 

Los Angeles, CA  <-I0I->  Buenos Aires, Argentina 

juanof [ at ] protonmail [.] com (+open DMs)