Public Policy
Public policy refers to the system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities established by governmental entities or their representatives to address public issues. It involves the process of identifying problems, formulating solutions, implementing decisions, and evaluating outcomes to achieve societal goals. In a developer context, it often relates to technology policy, such as data privacy regulations, cybersecurity standards, or digital accessibility laws.
Developers should understand public policy when building applications that must comply with legal frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA, ensuring their products meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties. It's also crucial for those working in government tech, civic tech, or industries like healthcare and finance, where policy directly impacts software design and data handling. Knowledge of public policy helps developers advocate for ethical technology practices and contribute to policy discussions on issues like AI ethics or internet governance.