The Internet of things (IoT) has transformed our lives and become an integral part of the home environment—estimates calculate there are now 75 billion connected devices worldwide, generating around 180 trillion gigabytes of data each year. That data includes personal and sensitive information that is constantly being compromised in various, largely hidden ways, leaving consumers exposed to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other violations. This grant supports efforts by Consumer Reports, led by Ben Moskowitz, to design a cybersecurity labeling system for IoT devices. Modeled on Nutrition Facts-like labels that allow consumers to compare products and make informed choices, the new labeling system would evaluate products and services based on how well, or how badly, they safeguard consumer privacy and security. Grant funds will allow Moskovitz’s team to continue testing the privacy and security of consumer IoT products, prototype a functional IoT security label, and conduct usability testing, consumer education, and other validation work to prepare for a successful launch of a national consumer IoT labeling scheme. The project promises to inform and empower consumers with immediate, clear, actionable insights while driving security-improving innovation.

This grant provides funding for a major new effort by Pioneer Works—a thriving, multidisciplinary cultural center in Red Hook, NY—to launch its new multicultural and interdisciplinary website, The Broadcast. The Broadcast’s Science Channel will include science-themed video, animations, podcasts, and editorial presented in fresh, original ways and featuring some of the most important scientists and scientific ideas of our day. Content development is being overseen by Janna Levin, the head of Pioneer Works’ science program and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College/Columbia University. Planned content includes a fresh mix of programming, including Pioneer Works’s signature Scientific Controversies series, in which Levin interviews two leading scientists about their latest work, along with Author Talks, Conversations, Science and Society, The Universe in Verse, and Condensed Matters. In addition to supporting content development and production, grant funds will support an ambitious marketing and social media campaign that includes a major build-out of Pioneer Works’s website, as well as expanded content through their newsletter, YouTube channel, Instagram, and Twitter.