Editor’s note: This article is based on insights from a podcast series. The views expressed in the podcast reflect the speakers’ perspectives and do not necessarily represent those of this publication. Readers are encouraged to explore the full podcast for additional context.
In a recent episode of “Regulating AI,” host Sanjay Puri spoke to Vice President of The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology Koustubh “K.J.” Bagchi to explore the intersection of AI and civil liberties.
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Bagchi, a seasoned technology‐policy strategist and legislative expert, joined the Chamber of Progress as its vice president of technology policy in early 2025. In this capacity, Bagchi oversees the organization’s advocacy on emerging digital issues—ranging from online privacy standards to broadband accessibility—positioning the Chamber at the forefront of policy debates shaping America’s technological future.
“We’ve already seen the impact, the negative impact of AI on the civil rights of individuals, right?” said Bagchi, opening the conversation with a sober reminder that these are not hypothetical concerns. Across domains, AI systems have begun to shape outcomes in ways that are putting real people at risk of discrimination, making it a critical point for policymakers and stakeholders to consider.
“The challenge with automated systems is that we don’t always know when we’re being harmed or impacted by that,” Bagchi, citing the need for transparency and accountability in AI governance.
Bagchi, who has cultivated a decade of experience on Capitol Hill and within leading public‐interest institutions, said: “The fundamental point that we’re really pushing is that no system should be used as a basis for a discriminatory result.”
Bagchi sounded the importance of clear guidelines and regulation for AI systems to ensure that they are implemented in ways that uphold civil rights and prevent discrimination.
“If you apply to a job and you get a rejection letter at 3:00 a.m. in your email inbox, you know, it’s really hard to tell if that rejection was because of something that some system saw on your resume,” Bagchi noted, talking about how automated systems, if unregulated, might increase the chance for discrimination and civil rights violations.
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As senior policy counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute, Bagchi championed open‐internet principles and advised on regulatory frameworks to safeguard consumers and innovators alike. During his tenure, Bagchi played a pivotal role in drafting legislation aimed at bolstering net neutrality protections and expanding digital‐equity programs nationwide.
Earlier in his career, Bagchi spearheaded the revival of the technology, telecommunications, and media program at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). As senior counsel, he rebuilt the coalition’s policy platform from the ground up—coordinating with civil‐rights advocates, industry stakeholders, and lawmakers to elevate issues affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the digital sphere.
