PIRG’s Gen Z Tech & Privacy Leaders Internship Program
Every semester, PIRG’s privacy program recruits college-aged students across the country to become leaders in the fight for data privacy and tech regulation. Interns help conduct important research and develop ideas for written pieces about data privacy and social media they feel will be compelling to their peers. It’s easy to feel like data harvesting is just the cost of living connected lives, and there’s nothing we can do. But that’s not true – and no one is better positioned to inspire Gen Z to care about data privacy and fight for tech that serves the public interest than Gen Zers themselves.
Below is a round up of some of the content, research and tips created by our Gen Z privacy leaders.
My internship was incredibly fulfilling. I came away with a deep knowledge of privacy legislation & consumer advocacy as a whole. I highly recommend a chance to intern with PIRG!Phoebe Normandia
Policy intern, Winter 2024
Articles
I deleted TikTok as a college student. It saved my mental health.
I deleted my Instagram as a teenager – here’s why
What the Barbie movie won’t tell you about Barbie’s past data privacy issues
Demystifying TikTok data collection
How misinformation on social media has changed news
What’s the deal with TikTok Shop?
What is a VPN and do I need one?
Florida student privacy bill bans educational apps from selling data
What to know about Threads’ data privacy policy
My internship with PIRG empowered me to feel like I could make a difference. It was exciting to see my research & writing being used. I always felt like my work was valued & actually useful for the campaign, which meant a lot to me.Ellen Hengesbach
Policy intern, Summer 2023
Tips
How to request and download your Instagram data
How to stop Instagram from harvesting so much of your data
How to request and download your Facebook data
How to use iPhone privacy settings 2024
Research projects where interns played a key role
VR risks for kids and teens
Why lots of states are passing bad state privacy laws
PIRG and CDD’s comments to the CFPB on data broker dangers
News alerts
$3 billion ChatGPT lawsuit highlights AI privacy concerns
Fertility app Premom to pay $200,000 following alleged privacy violations
Microsoft pays $20 million after alleged Xbox kids privacy violations
FTC complaint exposes alleged privacy violations at genetic testing company
Proposed FTC order would ban Meta from monetizing minors’ data
Want to apply?
Submit an application and mention the Don’t Sell My Data campaign or Gen Z Privacy Leaders program in your cover letter or other materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interns can work remotely.
Topics
Authors
R.J. Cross
Director, Don't Sell My Data Campaign, PIRG
R.J. focuses on data privacy issues and the commercialization of personal data in the digital age. Her work ranges from consumer harms like scams and data breaches, to manipulative targeted advertising, to keeping kids safe online. In her work at Frontier Group, she has authored research reports on government transparency, consumer debt and predatory auto lending, and has testified before Congress. Her work has appeared in WIRED magazine, CBS Mornings and USA Today, among other outlets. When she’s not protecting the public interest, she is an avid reader, fiction writer and birder. Though she lives in Boston, she will always consider herself a Kansan at heart.
Find Out More
Pharma ads on social media are less regulated than you think
Milwaukee joins the honor roll for safer drinking water at school
Banning water beads would prevent more fatal injuries