Consumer Reports gets $5 million from Newmark Philanthropies

Consumer Reports has received a a new investment of $5 million from Craig Newmark Philanthropies that will accelerate its vision of a digital marketplace where safety, cybersecurity, and transparency are standard across products and service.

The work will include the development of tools for consumers to stay secure from cyber attacks. Consumer Reports will conduct new investigations of cyber harms, artificial intelligence systems, and privacy concerns, and expand its evaluations of online marketplaces and fintech services.

The publication plans to use these findings to go directly to companies to advocate for better products, and press governments for higher standards that put consumers first.

“Defending our country in cyberspace requires action from both consumers and industry, and Consumer Reports is well positioned to do both,” siad Newmark, a former Consumer Reports board member. “CR helped get Americans safer cars, and they remind us to buckle up. This latest initiative is part of the same tradition – getting companies to step up for cybersecurity, and educating people to stay safe and secure online.”