A filibuster is a legislative tactic where a member prolongs debate to delay or block a vote on a bill, often by speaking at length or using other obstructive measures. In the tech community, understanding the filibuster is relevant as it can impact the passage of laws and regulations affecting the industry, such as net neutrality, data protection, and intellectual property rights, making it essential for tech professionals to stay informed about the legislative process and its potential implications on their work.