Kara Frederick stands as a notable figure in the realm of technology policy and national security. Currently serving as the director of the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., she holds a prominent position in shaping discussions surrounding emerging technologies and the influence of Big Tech companies. Regularly featured as a guest on numerous media platforms, particularly Fox News, Kara provides insights into the complexities and potential of evolving technological landscapes. In this piece, we delve into her biography, career trajectory, notable accomplishments, and aspects of her personal life.
Early Life and Education
Kara Frederick, born into a Marine Corps family in the United States, has chosen to maintain a veil of privacy surrounding details of her personal life. The specifics of her birth date, birthplace, and zodiac sign remain undisclosed, as do the identities and professions of her parents and siblings. Evidently, Kara places a high value on maintaining personal privacy, opting not to share extensive information about her family or upbringing with the public.
Her academic journey saw her enroll at the University of Virginia from 2002 to 2007, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Foreign Affairs and History. Notably, Kara also showcased her athleticism as a Division I soccer player during her tenure at the university. Subsequently, she continued her scholarly pursuits, obtaining a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in War Studies from King’s College London from 2006 to 2009.
Professional Career
Kara Frederick’s professional journey has been distinguished by her contributions across diverse sectors and domains. Her career commenced as a counterterrorism analyst for the Department of Defense (DoD), where she dedicated six years supporting special operations forces in Afghanistan. During this tenure, she provided briefings to the assistant secretary of defense for special operations/low-intensity conflict and served as a liaison to the National Security Agency.
Transitioning to the private sector, Kara assumed the role of senior intelligence analyst at Facebook, where she established and directed the Global Security Counterterrorism Analysis Program. Leading the Regional Intelligence Team at Facebook Headquarters in Menlo Park, California, she spearheaded efforts to analyze and mitigate threats posed by terrorist and extremist groups to the company and its users.
In 2018, Kara embarked on a fellowship with the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a bipartisan think tank specializing in national security and defense matters. Within the Technology and National Security Program, she conducted research and authored publications on critical subjects such as high-tech illiberalism, data privacy, and digital surveillance.
In 2021, Kara assumed the role of director at The Heritage Foundation’s Tech Policy Center, where she oversees the think tank’s initiatives aimed at shaping policy discourse on emerging technologies and Big Tech. Advocating for a free-market approach that harmonizes innovation, security, and liberty, she engages in congressional testimonies and provides counsel to policymakers on pertinent issues.
Beyond her think tank commitments, Kara has served as a part-time lecturer on Technology and International Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Additionally, she holds a fellowship with the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
Media Appearances and Publications
Kara Frederick stands out as a prominent media figure and commentator renowned for her expertise in technology and national security matters. Her appearances are frequent across major networks including Fox News, Fox Business, CNBC, C-SPAN, NPR, BBC, Voice of America, and CBS’s 60 Minutes, both domestically and internationally. Recognized for her incisive analysis, she offers critical perspectives on the practices and policies of Big Tech.
In addition to her media presence, Kara is a prolific writer whose work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, War on the Rocks, Manhattan Institute’s City Journal, C4ISRNet, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The Economist, Bloomberg, Axios, POLITICO, The Hill, and Defense One. Covering an array of topics including technology, democracy, China, cybersecurity, privacy, and social media, her contributions reflect a deep understanding and nuanced insights into pressing global issues.
Personal Life and Interests
Kara Frederick is wedded to her spouse, whose name and occupation remain undisclosed. Details regarding any children she may have are also kept private. Residing in Washington, D.C. with her family, Kara finds pleasure in traveling, indulging in literature, and engaging in soccer during her leisure moments. Active on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, she utilizes these platforms to share insights and updates concerning her professional endeavors and personal life. With a substantial following exceeding 10,000 on Twitter and over 2,000 on Instagram, Kara also maintains memberships in several professional and academic associations, including the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Atlantic Council, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
