Democratic control of technology

To allow governments to exert control over technology, it is necessary for industry to be accountable and transparent with regard to automated data processing and decision-making, as used in social media and by public authorities and executive agencies. What is the social responsibility of big tech companies? What type of data use do we consider to be permissible and what constitutes undesirable manipulation or surveillance?  

Important issues in the near future will be the EU proposals for a Digital Service Act Package and how these proposals relate to directives concerning corporate social responsibility. Can EU measures really address the problems? To contribute to these debates, we are conducting research into the revenue models of online platforms and social media and into harmful developments in society, including disinformation, cyberbullying, polarisation, poor working conditions and unfair competition. these proposals relate to directives concerning corporate social responsibility.