What Policy Issues Does Public Knowledge Work On?

Public Knowledge works on internet and technology policy in the public interest. Its stated mission is to promote freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works, and it says it works to shape policy on behalf of the public interest. The issues visible on its homepage cluster into four areas: open internet and free expression, affordable communications and digital equity, creative works and copyright, and emerging technology such as AI.

Open internet and freedom of expression

Public Knowledge frames an open internet and freedom of expression as core goals. On the homepage, the "Act Now" section asks visitors to tell Congress to "Say No to Site-Blocking," which shows that blocking access to websites is one of the policy fights it is engaged in. A press release on the page warns that a copyright bill "Puts Small Businesses at Risk of Global Website Blocking," tying site-blocking concerns to copyright enforcement.

Affordable communications and digital equity

The mission statement names "affordable communications tools" as a priority. The homepage's "Act Now" section includes a call to "Defend the Digital Equity Act," indicating that digital equity programs are part of its current advocacy. This connects access and affordability to the broader goal of a connected future for all.

Creative works, copyright, and consumer protection

Public Knowledge pairs "creative works" with the public interest, and the homepage shows active work on copyright and media policy. Related items include:

• A press release warning that a copyright bill puts small businesses at risk of global website blocking
• A press release arguing that the Paramount–Warner settlement "Falls Short for Consumers and Creative Workers"
• An insight making "The Case for the JAWBONE Act"

These items show the organization working at the intersection of copyright enforcement, media consolidation, and the interests of consumers and creative workers.

Emerging technology: AI and online safety

The homepage also lists an insight titled "It is Time To Tame the AI Frontier," which signals engagement with AI policy. Another insight, "Meta's Paying $17 Billion To Write the Kids Online Safety Rulebook for Everyone Else," points to work on children's online safety and on who shapes the rules for large platforms.

How the issues fit together

Across these areas, the common thread is shaping policy on behalf of the public rather than private interests. The homepage marks 25 years of "Fighting for a Creative and Connected Future for All," and its calls to action direct supporters to contact Congress on site-blocking, a digital regulator, and the Digital Equity Act.

Getting involved

The homepage offers a "Get Involved Today" path and an "Act Now" section with specific campaigns. It also links to a Subscribe page, which is the site's own sign-up entry point; the homepage does not state terms, pricing, or login requirements for it. For current details on any specific bill or campaign, the organization's own insights and press releases are the place to check, since the homepage only summarizes them.