President Biden addresses misinformation, climate crisis in inauguration speech

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“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”

President Joe Biden offered the nation a sense of hope and unity during his inaugural address as he and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on Wednesday. Harris became the first woman and first woman of color to be vice president. Here are some highlights from Wednesday’s ceremony in the realm of technology, innovation and science:

Embed from Getty Images

  • In his speech, Biden spoke about the misinformation crisis. “We must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated, and even manufactured,” he said. The president also spoke of a “climate in crisis.”  
  • Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman became an instant star with her reading of “The Hill We Climb.” The 22-year-old gained hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers after her appearance.
  • Twitter transitioned official administration accounts to new handles — see them here. 
  • The official White House website has a new look with an optional “dark mode.”
  • While much of Twitter turned teary eyed or especially hopeful, the comedy didn’t miss a beat. Sen. Bernie Sanders — with his envelope and mittens — was among the most meme-worthy attendees.
(Screengrab via CNN)
  • Congressional leaders gifted Biden and Harris images from the swearing in (above), and those taking part in the ceremony were especially blown away by the “power of technology,” seemingly referencing the ability to shoot, print and frame a digital photograph in about an hour.

Biden has plenty of work ahead with a raging pandemic and a divided nation. Some of the more pressing tech-related issues on his plate include reigning in the power of Big Tech; addressing Section 230 and online speech; the digital divide; and more. We spoke with tech policy leaders to learn what they are watching, and expecting, as Biden takes office.

Some Seattle-area tech leaders shared their thoughts on the presidential transition. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said he sees “promise in the months and years ahead,” while Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted about implications for immigration laws and climate change.

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