The Future of Technology: Insights from White House Advisor Gail Slater

“Consumer protection policy is also economic policy… It was not intuitive that we were going to act on privacy, but it was good economic sense,” says Gail Slater, Special Assistant to the President for Technology, Telecom, and Cyber policy on the National Economic Council (NEC).

Held on Friday, February 1, at Meridian as part of the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement Insights series, Ms. Slater addressed an intimate gathering of 25 members of the diplomatic corps from around the globe. She outlined major priorities in her three areas of focus: technology, telecommunications and cybersecurity policy. Wiley Rein Partner Ambassador David Gross moderated the conversation.

Slater explained that the NEC convenes key stakeholders and examines and selects policy options for the administration to implement. The NEC works closely with the National Security Council (NSC) in the development of cybersecurity policy. Slater is also engaged with the digital economy and consumer protection measures.

The Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement’s Insights @ Meridian initiative is designed to provide ambassadors and other senior diplomats with an intimate opportunity to hear directly from administration leaders, members of Congress and business visionaries on vital policy issues of the day, furthering the mission of the newly formed Center for Diplomatic Engagement.

Political Affairs Minister Martin Loken of Canada and Deputy Chief of Mission Kazutoshi Aikawa of Japan discuss the morning’s program.

Ms. Gail Slater (center), Special Assistant to the President, enjoys a cup of coffee with Ambassador David Gross (right) and Singapore Ambassador Ashok Murpuri (left).

The audience listens attentively to the panel discussion between Ms. Slater (center), Ambassador David Gross (left) and Mr. Frank Justice (right).

Mr. Minister Counselor Virgilio Mota of the Dominican Republic observes the question and answer session following the panel discussion.

Members of the diplomatic corps pay close attention to remarks delivered by Ms. Gail Slater.

Meridian Communications Director Megan Devlin connects with Swiss Ambassador Martin Dahinden over a pastry at the breakfast reception that followed the morning’s panel discussion.