On July 22, 2025, the City of Portland welcomed an international delegation of digital rights activists, technologists, and policymakers participating in the WorldOregon International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The delegation included 14 visitors from over a dozen countries working on a range of issues including data privacy, internet freedom, Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation, and equitable access to digital services.
During their Portland stop, delegates met with staff from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s Smart City PDX program and the Community Technology Division to learn about the City’s approach to digital equity and responsible data governance. The visit and presentation provided an opportunity to discuss:
Policy frameworks regarding Surveillance Technologies, Automated Decision Systems (ADS), AI and Privacy.
Ban on government use of facial recognition technology
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
“Portland is honored to be part of this global conversation,” said Hector Dominguez Aguirre, Smart City PDX Coordinator. “We learned as much as we shared—and we’re grateful for the opportunity to exchange knowledge with international peers who are also working to build more equitable digital futures.”
The conversation also explored challenges in balancing efficiency and innovation with civil liberties, and the role of local government in navigating rapidly evolving technologies.
The City thanks WorldOregon for organizing a conversation with the IVLP and remains committed to advancing digital rights and inclusive technology policy both locally and in solidarity with global partners.
For more information, see the WorldOregon Digital Rights Visit presentation.