by Rep. Monique Priestley (D-Orange-2)

A new statewide town hall series, People vs. Big Tech: Vermont, will raise the issue of data privacy, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence to communities across the state. The free, public events will feature ‘concrete steps Vermonters can take, alongside a call for smarter, people-first public policy,” town hall promoter Rep. Monique Priestley (D-Bradford) said. 

Registration is now open at peoplevsbigtech.com. The event is sponsored by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. 

“Technology shouldn’t be something that happens to us, it should be shaped by us,” said Zach Tomanelli, Consumer Protection Advocate at VPIRG. “These town halls will give Vermonters the chance to learn about the threats Big Tech poses, to voice their own concerns, and to provide Vermonters with the information they need to protect themselves.”

“Small businesses and nonprofits feel the impact of Big Tech every day, from shifting ad systems to opaque data practices,” added Priestley. “We’ll connect the dots between what’s happening online and what it means for jobs, budgets, and community trust here in Vermont.” 

In recent years, Priestley has led an unsuccessful effort to see data privacy legislation become law. One bill was vetoed by Gov. Phil Scott over concerns it would be too restrictive to interstate commerce and the entrepreneurial spirit of young Vermonters. 

Event Schedule

• Wed. Oct. 1st 6:30-8:00pm in St. Johnsbury (Catamount Arts)
• Wed. Oct. 8th 6:30-8:00pm in Randolph (Kimball Library)
• Wed. Oct. 15th 6:30-8:00pm in Montpelier (Performing Arts Hub)
• Wed. Oct. 22nd 4:30-6:00pm in Manchester (Community Library)
• Mon. Oct. 27th 5:30-7:00pm in South Burlington (Public Library)
• Tue. Oct. 28th 7:30-9:00pm in Brattleboro (Brooks Memorial Library)

What Attendees Can Expect

• What is privacy: A quick primer on the history of privacy rights in the U.S.
• Why it matters: Real-world examples of harms and risks for consumers, small businesses, nonprofits, and local government.
• Tech realities: How data is collected and used; the state of digital ads; what AI’s rapid expansion means for work, ethics, and rights.
• Policy and innovation: Why states often lead; how regulation and innovation fit together; where federal rules fall short.
• Practical protections (when policy lags): Tips and tools you can use today, without putting the burden entirely on individuals.
• Interactive dialogue: Bring your questions and ideas! We want your voices at the center of this conversation.
• Take action: How to share your story, stay engaged, and help advance effective, people-first tech policy in Vermont.

About the Hosts

Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley is serving her second term in the Vermont House (Orange-2), where she focuses on data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. She serves as Clerk of the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee, Vice Chair of the Joint Information Technology Oversight Committee, and Co-Chair of Vermont’s Rural Caucus. Nationally, she serves on several AI and technology policy task forces and has been recognized as a 2024 EPIC National Champion of Freedom and a CSG Top 20 Under 40.

VPIRG Consumer Protection Advocate Zach Tomanelli leads consumer advocacy and outreach at VPIRG, Vermont’s largest consumer and environmental advocacy group, where he fights for data privacy, net neutrality, affordable internet access and more. A former journalist and digital organizer, he has worked with groups including the ACLU, Democracy Now!, and FAIR on issues ranging from civil liberties to technology policy.

Registration & More Info

Reserve your free seat and get event details at peoplevsbigtech.com.