Aaron Alva is a technologist & attorney who strategically advises on privacy, security, & AI governance issues through the Alva Strategy Center.
Previously, Aaron served as a lead technology advisor and Counsel to the Director at the Federal Trade Commission. During his decade at the FTC, Aaron was instrumental in driving the FTC's approach to privacy & security enforcement, contributing to high-profile consumer protection & competition matters, and developing novel remedies. He helped develop the first AI-specific remedies in an FTC order, including a five-year ban on deploying AI for high-risk uses and pre-deployment testing requirements (Rite Aid). Aaron began his career conducting cybersecurity research at the U.S. national laboratories. He jointly completed an M.S. in Information Management and a J.D. at the University of Washington. As both a technologist and an attorney, he frequently acts as a cross-domain translator. At Harvard BKC, Aaron's current research focuses on developing effective enforcement strategies for government enforcers that mitigate AI harms and incentivize responsible AI development.