Dutch politician and thought leader Marietje Schaake has joined Access Now’s global board of directors. Following 10 years as a Member of European Parliament focused on trade, foreign policy, and technology, Schaake brings a global perspective and a sophisticated and strategic understanding of the key technological and policy debates of our time.
Schaake was a Member of the European Parliament between 2009 and 2019, serving on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the subcommittee on Human Rights, and as Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with the United States. She founded the European Parliament Intergroup on the Digital Agenda for Europe, and has been a steadfast advocate for digital rights and freedoms in EU policies. Schaake was a key leader on the European Net Neutrality law, and has been a staunch proponent of tighter controls on the export of dual-use technologies.
“From high-level policy debates around privacy, freedom of expression, and the regulation of platforms to ground-level campaigns for digital security, access to connectivity, and the freeing of political prisoners, Marietje has been a tireless and effective force for good throughout her tenure as an elected member of the European Parliament. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our board of directors,” said Andrew McLaughlin, President of Access Now board.
“Marietje is a standout leader in our community who will bring a fresh perspective along with an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge to our movement. She is a long time ally and friend of Access Now and we’re so pleased to have her on our board,” said Access Now’s Executive Director Brett Solomon.
Schaake was recently named International Director of Policy at Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, as well as an International Policy Fellow at the University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. She will bring her multifaceted experience and expertise to the board of Access Now.
“Human rights and the rule of law should not be disrupted by technological innovations. I look forward to working with Access Now to advance access to the open internet, and the protection of rights online for people globally,” Marietje Schaake said.
More information about Access Now and its global board is available here.