By: Laura Phillips
Delara Derakhshani serves as Director of Policy at the Data Transfer Initiative (DTI), a recently-formed 501(c)(4) non-profit with the mission of empowering users by enhancing data portability. DTI works with its founding partners—Apple, Meta and Google—and other stakeholders to build and implement the tools that allow users to directly transfer their data across various services simply and securely. Delara is a longtime member and volunteer of the FCBA and has served on the Foundation’s Board and as a mentor both formally and informally in our community. It was great to hear from an FCBA member that works squarely within the “tech” portion of the FCBA – the Tech Bar.
Q. What attracted you to the field of communications?
A. I have always been intrigued by how technology shapes human perception, behavior, and interaction, which led me to major in Cognitive Science at the University of Virginia. The interdisciplinary major blends coursework in neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, and psychology. It piqued my interest in how people engage with technology and media, as well as how law and policy can influence those interactions and consumer experiences.
During my time at UVA, I joined a research lab where I had the opportunity to study human behavior in virtual reality simulations and assist doctoral students in their research on secure dissemination of digitally 3D-rendered models as it relates to the protection of intellectual property. We frequently explored other cutting-edge topics related to human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and even the connection between the design of user interfaces and how humans perceive and act upon cues. The more I worked at the forefront of these novel technologies, the more I started to realize that the communications and technology law curriculum at The Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law was the perfect way to further explore my interests and tackle the many challenges that arise in evolving and complex digital spaces.
Q. Tell us about the various places you’ve worked through the years.
A. I started my first full-time position after law school with T-Mobile’s DC office, where I worked closely with Kathleen Ham and Tom Sugrue, who both encouraged me to actively participate in FCBA events—advice that has proved invaluable to my professional growth.
After T-Mobile, I joined Consumer Reports, where I served as the lead advocate for privacy, tech, telecom, and media issues before Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. We were a small team, and all of our work was done in-house. Less than a month into my job, I was already drafting regulatory filings, participating in workshops, and taking meetings with regulatory agencies such as the FTC, FCC, and CFPB. At Consumer Reports, I had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on data breaches and the Senate Commerce Committee on wireless issues. I appeared regularly as a spokesperson before national media outlets, and developed close working relationships with grassroots organizations, civil rights organizations, and public interest groups on various social justice initiatives. I’m incredibly grateful for the meaningful work and the connections I made during my time there, and to this day I approach my work with a mindset of what is best for the consumer.
At the Entertainment Software Association (the trade association for the video game industry), I advised major video game publishers and console makers on a range of topics including e-commerce, consumer protection, biometrics, accessibility, VR/AR/MR, and esports. As the lead for esports, I spearheaded global initiatives, forged alignment with our international partners and “sister organizations,” advised members on strategic initiatives and potential paths forward, and advocated before governments and the International Olympic Committee on behalf of the video game industry as a whole. Working at a trade association taught me invaluable lessons, including how to reconcile the viewpoints of 30+ companies with different backgrounds, corporate cultures and missions, and interests. Not only that, but as a video game enthusiast, I was incredibly grateful to immerse myself in a field that had such an enormous and positive impact on me since my childhood.
Following ESA, I joined Meta’s Reality Labs policy team (the team responsible for the Meta Quest, the Metaverse, and augmented reality products). Joining Meta felt like a no-brainer: the team’s focus was a natural extension of everything I had already worked on in the video game industry. At Meta, I served as the lead for our facial recognition policy work across the entire company and later took over the policy portfolio forMeta’s first ever smart glasses. It was great to learn an entirely new set of skills related to working in-house in the tech industry. I learned that there really are some things that you can only learn by doing and by being inside of a large company.
Today, I am at the Data Transfer Initiative; I’m excited to share more on that below.
Q. Have things unfolded in your career more or less the way you planned?
A. I’m so grateful for how my career has turned out to date, though I wouldn’t say any of it was planned. As I often tell my mentees and younger lawyers, there’s no single “right” path to success in this field. However, there are steps you can take to set yourself up for it. Over the years, I met and sought advice from as many people as possible, took on volunteer and leadership roles within the FCBA, and stayed alert for opportunities. When unexpected opportunities came my way, I would ask myself: Am I passionate about this? Does it make me happy? Is it a good fit, both in terms of substance and culture? And most importantly, how will it help me grow or reach the next level? Before long, I found myself in what I genuinely considered various “dream roles” that I was not even initially aware existed.
Q. What’s the most interesting or challenging thing that you’ve done in your current position?
A. I’ve been in my current position for about a year and a half now—and I recognize that data portability may seem like a niche topic with which not everyone is familiar. In short, our organization, DTI, helps companies bring data portability to life. We build the tools that let users move their data (think photos, social media posts, and playlists) from one service to another. Why is this important now, more than ever? Well, some companies are now required to implement these tools under the Digital Markets Act in Europe—but many others have worked for years to develop these tools to improve the consumer experience. Regulators around the world are increasingly recognizing that data portability empowers consumers by giving them greater control over their personal data, prevents “lock-in,” and fosters competition and innovation. And frankly, consumers are starting to expect more control over their data—so I’m excited to be at the forefront of this space when we are at a turning point for data portability.
The problem is that implementing effective data transfers between services is technically complex and fraught with uncertainties about responsibilities, potential liabilities, outstanding questions about the scope of data that should be portable, and how to securely and safely collaborate with third parties. Companies are in the throes of navigating untested regulatory frameworks like the Digital Markets Act.
This is where DTI comes in. We are the foremost global expert on this topic—and we are uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, streamline engagement for companies of all sizes, enhance collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and develop practical solutions in this evolving landscape.Our organization aims to simplify and standardize data models while expanding partnerships to assist companies of all sizes in building user-friendly data portability tools. Our vision extends beyond tool development; we engage with policymakers and the broader ecosystem to address the global landscape.
There is a great deal still to be done, but I am particularly excited about our current work developing a safety and security trust model aimed at mutually authorizing data transfers between sending and receiving services. Ultimately, our goal is to guide the independent implementation of trust processes that protect the interests of all parties involved. If trust cannot be established, direct transfers should not occur, as a lack of trust undermines the objectives of data portability.
Of course, none of this work can take place in a silo, so I’m particularly excited to explore partnership opportunities with large and small companies alike and educate many of you about how your work with portability intersects with ours.
Q. Is or was there something interesting or someone who surprised or impressed you during your career and why?
A. We’ve all heard of the phrase “privacy by design” (e.g., the idea that privacy features should be baked into the design phase of a product or service)—but I never cease to be amazed by the power of what I like to call “inclusivity-by-design,” and the profound impact of incorporating diverse voices into any existing planned process from individuals who are willing to share their first-hand various lived experiences. These discussions have highlighted that to truly understand potential harms and sensitivities, we must invite people to the table. When we don’t listen to these perspectives, we risk missing the mark and, worse, unintentionally causing harm. Gathering insights isn’t just about collecting information; it’s about weaving the feedback of those who are impacted into the very fabric of what we create.
Q. What do you enjoy reading?
A. I’ve been on a fiction kick recently: specifically, science fiction. Suggestions welcome.
Q. Is there something (a hobby or other tidbit) people don’t know about you that you are willing to share?
A. I’m an artist and performer. I compose music for the piano, took ballet for most of my life (following in the footsteps of my mother, a professional ballerina), and recently started performing improv comedy again. I’m also exploring stand-up comedy. In the past few years, I’ve taken up painting as my newest hobby. Since then, I have completed over 400 works of art. My style is abstract, colorful, and bold—and the media on which I paint includes everything from canvases to wine bottles to furniture and even video game consoles. I’m currently building a website to sell my original works of art as well as home and office décor and products featuring my designs, and I’m excited to share this new venture with the FCBA membership when it’s ready.
Q. Can you share your perspective on the pitfalls to avoid or other career advice for those who are just getting started in the communications field?
A. Many young lawyers and current students often feel pressured to choose a single career path, but worry that doing so will preclude them from pursuing seemingly conflicting career choices at other organizations with different interests in the future. I’m here to assure you that this assumption is unfounded. Throughout my career, I have navigated both consumer advocacy and the private sector, discovering opportunities that not only align with my passions but also blend various aspects of my life. In fact, this multifaceted approach has made me a stronger, more well-rounded candidate.
Our bar is a small and close-knit community, especially in the tech and telecommunications sectors, and camaraderie and reputation matter immensely. It’s crucial to lift each other up and to seek out mentorship when you need it; we’re all here to help. I’ve also found great value in seeking out mentorship from many different people with diverse backgrounds. It allows me to consider and weigh many different perspectives and ultimately choose the path that’s right for me.
Q. How long have you been an FCBA member, and what to you is the value of FCBA membership?
A. I started attending FCBA events towards the end of 2008 after Megan Stull, my longtime friend and mentor, urged me to do so. I didn’t know it at the time, but 16 years later I can honestly say that it was the single most important and impactful career decision I’ve made. Both Megan and Bryan Tramont instilled in me the notion that we all should “Pay It Forward” as we are able, and I am very proud to volunteer and to mentor and to be part of this community. I look forward to many more years together. See you all at the next event!