Jan Rydzak

Jan Rydzak is a Research Scholar and Associate Director for Program at Stanford University's Global Digital Policy Incubator (GDPi). He holds a PhD and an MA in Government & Public Policy from the University of Arizona as well as an MA in Modern Languages from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland.

Jan has worked at the intersection of human rights research, policy, and communication in various environments, including the European Commission and the multi-stakeholder Global Network Initiative through a Google Policy Fellowship. His doctoral research focused on disruptions to digital communication (network shutdowns) and their effects on collective action, both cross-nationally and subnationally (India). He has published a report on human rights and shutdowns through GNI as well as commentary in Foreign Policy. He is professionally interested in digital activism and repression in the Global South, varieties of disinformation around the globe, the linguistic aspects of content moderation, and the use of technology and innovation for humanitarian aid and development.