Cal Poly’s Digital Democracy Recognized with Emmy for Advancing Government Transparency
*This is a paraphrased and updated version of a story from Mustang News and other local outlets. Photo Courtesy of Foaad Khosmood.
Cal Poly’s Digital Democracy, an artificial intelligence platform designed to help journalists analyze government proceedings, has received an Emmy Award for its role in uncovering hidden legislative practices in California.
Developed by the university’s students and staff under Professor Foaad Khosmood, Digital Democracy uses AI to automatically transcribe and analyze legislative hearings, helping reporters identify how lawmakers can block bills without public votes.
Through Cal Poly’s Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy, the project launched in 2014 with the purpose to increase government transparency and support local journalism. It now partners with the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters to provide tools for data-driven political reporting.
“This recognition shows that technology can truly serve the public good,” Khosmood said. “It highlights how collaboration and innovation can strengthen democracy.”