Digital Beat

The Humans We Aim to Lift Up

(Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at the 2026 Annual IP3 Awards)

I know we all know some humans. And I hope they all survive longer than our AI overlords currently predict. But I start there because they are often lost in discussions about technology.

For over 45 years, the Benton Institute—and our allies like Public Knowledge—have worked to ensure our policy debates are not about one technology or another, not one industry segment or company over another, but about what role communications and information services play in improving human lives.

We believe in agency, not agents—ensuring everyone can use the latest tools to build a better life and close the persistent gaps that limit individuals and communities.

I want to thank Public Knowledge for honoring me tonight. We’ve worked together a long time. That collaboration has taken many forms, but its heart has always been ensuring everyone has access to 21st-century communications, helping policymakers understand the barriers to full inclusion. We fight to make sure technology creates new opportunities and supports some of our oldest values such as access, diversity, and equity.

I am honored to be recognized alongside

My good friend, Alan Inouye, whose public policy and advocacy on behalf of the American Library Association made him and his staff effective and frequent collaborators of Benton’s.
Commissioner Anna Gomez, who stands alone on the FCC as a stalwart of an independent agency, a champion of the First Amendment, a critic of FCC censorship, an advocate of consumer protection, and a champion of universal broadband.
And Professors Kapoor and Narayanan whose newsletter and groundbreaking research reveal AI’s limits and risks, including misinformation and harm. While Benton advocates for broadband for all, a core belief is that we ensure vulnerable users are safe, so AI won’t widen the digital divide into a permanent chasm.

As I look out into this room, I see many of us who are over [cough cough] 50 and have spent decades in this field. In addition to their contributions, let’s also honor the younger advocates in the room. Whether it’s through PK’s Sherwin Lee Siy Memorial Fund, the Marjorie & Charles Benton Opportunity Fund, or this year’s Benton Brown Bag lunches, moderated by Gigi, we need vehicles to recognize how important it is that we all take part in mentoring a next generation of non-profit leaders, community practitioners, academics, researchers, and policy advocates to carry on the work of tonight’s honorees and focus on a future that holds dear the values of inclusion, equity, opportunity, independence, integrity, universality, consumer choice, competition, and collaboration—as those values underpin a strong democracy.

We must continue to remind policymakers—and company executives—that technology is meant to serve humans, not the other way around. At a time when the headlines continually highlight the latest device or service—or doomsday scenario—let us keep returning the focus to the humans we aim to lift up.

And speaking of humans, let me end by thanking the Benton trustees, fellows, and staff who are here this evening. I accept this award on the Institute’s behalf as it is their passion for our mission and hard work that I celebrate tonight.

Adrianne B. Furniss is the Chair of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

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