About Me
Hello! I am a computer security and privacy researcher, and I characterize and measure threats to users' safety, security, and privacy on technology platforms. My current research investigates how the tools used to create AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery are promoted and distributed. I also conduct research on problematic content on online advertising and social media platforms, such as deceptive health advertising, clickbait, and advertiser content that disrupts users' experience.
I am a Fritz Postdoctoral Fellow at Georgetown University, where I am fortunate to be advised by Professor Elissa Redmiles. I am also affiliated with the Massive Data Institute in the McCourt School of Public Policy. Previously, I was a postdoctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University CyLab, where I was advised by Professor Lujo Bauer. I graduated with a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Washington, where I was advised by Professor Franzi Roesner, and I was part of the Security and Privacy Lab.
My work informs policymakers and technology platforms about emerging threats and risks to users. My findings have been covered by media outlets including Wired and The Indicator, and I have presented my work to industry and government, including at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's PrivacyCon, the Ad Blocker Developer Summit, and USENIX Enigma. I was awarded the 2026 SOUPS Impact Award for my work investigating users' security and privacy with home IoT devices, and my work on problematic political advertising was a runner-up for Best Paper Award at IMC 2021.
I am currently on the job market! I am looking for tenure-track faculty positions, AI safety and security research scientist positions in industry, and technologist positions in tech policy. If I might be a good fit for your organization, please reach out to me at eric.zeng@georgetown.edu.