About
Laura Edelson is a leading researcher in understanding how harmful content spreads across large online networks and developing innovative methodologies for studying social media algorithmic systems. Her groundbreaking research on digital advertising transparency and misinformation has informed policy discussions and powered investigative reporting in major outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. Edelson previously served as Chief Technologist at the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, where she applied her technical expertise to critical competition policy issues.
As co-director of the Cybersecurity for Democracy project at NYU, Dr. Edelson has pioneered user data donation approaches to increase transparency in digital platforms. Her work on the Ad Observatory and Ad Observer projects has established new standards for monitoring online political advertising and platform accountability.