Research Intern - Technology Policy

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Cato's technology policy team analyzes how internet platforms, emerging technologies, and online expression are governed — promoting a policy framework based on free markets, limited government, and First Amendment principles. 

Jennifer Huddleston's work covers AI regulation and governance, platform competition and antitrust, youth online safety, content moderation, data privacy, and the policy environment for entrepreneurial users of technology platforms. David Inserra focuses on online free expression, content moderation policy, government censorship and jawboning, and the intersection of AI with speech. Both scholars operate in a rapidly evolving legislative and regulatory environment and produce policy analyses, op-eds, congressional testimony, amicus briefs, and event-based commentary. 

Interns assist scholars with research, monitoring, writing, and event tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, legal filings, and public engagement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant legislative updates, rulemakings, and regulatory actions in technology policy—including AI, content moderation, platform regulation, privacy, antitrust, and youth online safety—and prepare timely, accurate summaries.
• Research and compile academic literature, legal analysis, and policy updates to support ongoing scholarly projects.
• Proofread and give detailed feedback on draft articles and policy analyses.
• Attend congressional hearings, think tank events, and working groups relevant to the team's research agenda, then produce written notes and summaries.
• Assist with legal research and writing, including supporting amicus briefs and legislative analysis based on an individual intern’s skill and background.
• Identify and communicate with external authors and project contributors as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of internet platforms, social media rules, and First Amendment law, with the skill to apply these ideas to real-time policy discussions.
• Demonstrated interest in US technology policy—including AI governance, content moderation, competition and antitrust issues, privacy, and youth online safety—grounded in and aligned with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Excellent research and policy writing skills, including precise sourcing, clear and concise language, and careful attention to legal and factual accuracy.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under time pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with sound independent judgment.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citations, and written output, as well as consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in technology law or policy, through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team's current research areas, including AI regulation and federalism, Section 230 and platform liability, content moderation policy, government jawboning and censorship, and youth online safety legislation; applicants are encouraged to review the team's recently published work before applying.
• Legal training or coursework in First Amendment law, administrative law, or technology law.
• Experience with event note-taking, hearing coverage, or rapid-response research and writing in a policy or legal setting.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.