Will Rivera, Ethical (USA)
Ethical AI & Trust + Safety Leader | Tech-Facilitated Violence Expert
Will Rivera is a prominent advocate for ethical, inclusive, and safe technology, recognized for his work at the intersection of AI ethics, digital safety, and human rights. With a strong focus on combating tech-facilitated and gender-based violence, Will brings a rare blend of grassroots activism, policy expertise, and leadership in the nonprofit sector.
He currently serves as Managing Director of My Own Image, a nonprofit organization focused on combatting technology-facilitated gendered violence and Image Based Sexual abuse, specifically through state level policy changes and public education. In a major victory for survivors and digital rights advocates, MyOwn Image has recently passed in April 2025 a critical piece of legislation that modernizes Arkansas’s criminal code (USA) to expand protections against the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images. The updated statute broadens eligibility for legal protection and introduces a tiered penalty structure. When intimate images are distributed with the intent to cause physical, emotional, reputational, or financial harm—or in exchange for something of value—the act is classified as a felony. If there is no provable intent to harm, the charge is a misdemeanor, ensuring proportional accountability. With this recent signing, Arkansas joins a growing national movement recognizing nonconsensual intimate image sharing as a serious form of sexual abuse, where Will and the team at MyOwn image ar leading and actively working on in several states within the US as we speak.
In parallel, he leads as Director of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Branch at Community for a Cause, where he designs and oversees initiatives that address the impact of emerging technologies on marginalized populations, particularly women and LGBTQ+ communities. Will also contributes to global thought leadership as a member of the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN).
In 2025, Will was selected for the AI Safety Fundamentals on AI Governance program, a UK-based global cohort focused on translating principles of responsible AI into actionable, real-world solutions. As part of this initiative, he has co-developed strategies that strengthen institutional safeguards against bias, disinformation, and exploitation within AI systems.
At the AI ON US Summit, Will takes on a dual role as a key contributor to both the Ethical AI Team and the Trust & Safety Team. He brings a hands-on perspective to the summit’s immersive experiences and strategic sessions, ensuring that every conversation around innovation is grounded in equity, dignity, and digital and survivor justice.
From local communities to global coalitions, Will’s leadership consistently centers the lived experiences of those most affected by unsafe technologies. His presence at AI ON US embodies the summit’s core mission: to make trustworthy, inclusive AI not only a goal but a shared responsibility.
💬 “Advocates keep advocating. Responsible AI is one of the greatest opportunities — and responsibilities — of our time.” — Will Rivera
Meet Will at the Morning Strategic Keynotes:
