ACM Statements

Across all professional societies, members are understandably concerned about global events and public policies. ACM is frequently asked by our members to make statements on such matters. The following explains when ACM may do so.

In general, ACM will only make statements when the issues affect the ability of ACM to advance our mission as a global organization dedicated to computing research and education and are of importance to our community at large. Even here, the decision about whether it is appropriate to make a statement can be difficult given the diverse opinions of our global community.

Technology issues often are addressed by ACM’s public policy teams who work to provide government decision-makers with non-partisan technology information on critical policy matters. This information is provided in strict compliance with ACM being a 501(c)(3), forbidden from engaging in lobbying activities.

Decisions about ACM issuing statements are particularly difficult when they concern issues that do not directly impact our core mission but are deeply felt by some in the ACM community. Questions when considering statements on such issues are whether ACM has the standing or expertise to meaningfully influence the situation and whether our global constituencies will generally agree with the position to be taken.