Up until the mid 1980s, CPSR focused nearly all of its energy on the dangers posed by the massive increase in the use of computing technology in military applications. CPSR's campaign against the SDI led to considerable growth in membership and chapter formation throughout the United States. From the beginning CPSR has tried to communicate concerns about the appropriate use of computer technology to the public, to policymakers, and to the profession. With its reputation for careful analysis and well-reasoned argument CPSR was able to have a significant impact on each of these constituencies. In the early years, CPSR message was spread through publications, conferences, and special events.
Computer technology affects society in many ways.
As practitioners, members of CPSR began to recognize the importance of applying the same concerns for social responsibility in other domains in which computing technology is used. We need to encourage discussion, articles, and projects in other area such as surveillance, privacy, etc., where abuse can be devastating to society in other than direct physical terms. Since that time, CPSR's program has broadened considerably. Some new projects have been initiated by CPSR staff in response to opportunities that arise. Other projects are sparked by activity in a local chapter or a group of concerned individuals.