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Dear friends and fellow researchers, |
Science thrives in environments where knowledge is openly shared and diverse voices contribute to the conversation. It is this collaborative energy that shapes our work as we conduct research and engage in constant exchange with political decision-makers, the business community and civil society. |
In this edition, we’ll take a closer look at the societal impact of digital transformation. What can artificial intelligence really do for democracy and how can we measure that impact? What role should humans play in automated decision-making? And how can local administrations use data responsibly to foster innovation for the common good? From data governance and content moderation to quality standards in science-policy advice, our latest work offers insights, methods and tools for navigating today's complex digital landscape. |
Stay informed and inspired, Jeanette Hofmann · Björn Scheuermann · Thomas Schildhauer · Wolfgang Schulz |
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| | Content moderation: Human oversight |
Our Human in the Loop project has launched a new case study exploring how algorithmic systems interact with platform moderators in content review processes. Based on the benefits and limits of machine-based filtering and human decision-making, we will work with experts to develop a code of conduct. The aim is to support ethical, transparent moderation aligned with European regulatory approaches such as the Digital Services Act (DSA). |
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| Public interest AI: Impact for democracy |
How can we assess whether AI projects truly benefit society? Now that the Impact AI research team is complete, we are launching our first case studies. Together with our consortium partners, Greenpeace and the Economy for the Common Good, we have decided to focus on democratic innovations The aim is to develop a new evaluation method for assessing AI projects that serve the public interest, with particular attention to sustainability. |
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Digital Services Act: Circle of Friends |
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Our DSA Research Network aims to create a unique space for research and multi-stakeholder dialogue on the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Its Circle of Friends – representatives from NGOs, regulators and academia – met in April. Key topics included the rise of the “censorship” narrative, supervision independence at the European level, and legal ambiguity in the risk-based governance model. |
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| | Data Governance: Guide for local authorities |
Many municipal digital and data projects fail due to legal uncertainty and a lack of clarity over which body is responsible for what. To support local German administrations, our Data & Smart City Governance team has developed a digital handbook to help manage data more effectively. It provides clear rules and processes for legally compliant and efficient data use. |
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| Content moderation on digital platforms: Beyond states and firms |
The latest special issue of the Internet Policy Review journal explores how civil society actors – from journalists to NGOs – shape content moderation. Twelve contributions examine alternative governance approaches and the institutionalisation of civil society roles. Enjoy the first issue co-edited with the Centre for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS). |
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| Automated lending: Report on human oversight |
How are algorithmic systems used in credit lending—and where do humans step in? Our Human in the Loop team has analysed semi-automated decision-making in financial services, highlighting the roles of bank staff and credit agencies. The report offers practical insights with the potential to make lending processes fairer, more transparent and more accountable. |
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| Advisory documents: Quality guidelines |
Accessing the scientific advice needed to make political decisions can be difficult. Our research team from the Repository for Scientific Policy and Society Advice project has developed new guidelines for structuring and assessing advisory documents in the REPOD repository. The aim is to strengthen quality assurance, standardisation and transparency in knowledge exchange. |
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| HIIG BOOKSHELF · Other worthwhile publications |
- Fact-checks as Data Source? Content Analysis of Fact-checking Articles in Germany between 2019 and 2023 – Sami Nenno
- Strategic ambiguities: Exploring the role of digitalisation strategies in university teachers’ engagement with educational technology – Melissa Laufer, Freia Kuper, Bronwen Deacon, Marvin Sievering and Len Ole Schäfer
- Menschengerechte Arbeitswelt und ressourceneffizientes Wirtschaftswachstum durch KI – Potenziale für den nachhaltigen Technologieeinsatz – Ursula Ohliger, Johannes Winter, Georg von Richthofen, Ali Aslan Gümüsay & Mathes Hünsche
- DSA · DMA: Kommentar – Tobias Mast, Matthias C. Kettemann, Stephan Dreyer & Wolfgang Schulz
- Verbraucherschutz und Grundrechte in digitalen Märkten – Alexander Kirk
- Recht der Digitalisierung II: Internationalisierung der Justiz im digitalen Zeitalter – Philipp Anzenberger und Klaus Schwaighofer
- A Critical Examination of Corporate Environmental and Social Impact Measurement and Valuation – Judith Stroehle, Ali Aslan Gümüşay, Laura Marie Edinger-Schons, Amyn Vogel, Alnoor Ebrahim, Andreas Rasche, Andrew King, Ken Pucker, Richard Barker, Juliane Reineck, Giovanna Michelon, Stuart Cooper, Dror Etzion, Karim Harji, Marya Besharov, Colin Mayer, Nien-hê Hsieh & Emma van den Terrell
- Automation Bias in the AI Act: On the Legal Implications of Attempting to De-Bias Human Oversight of AI – Johann Laux & Hannah Ruschemeier
- All The (Fake) News That’s Fit to Share? News Values in Perceived Misinformation across Twenty-Four Countries – Sami Nenno & Cornelius Puschmann
- Der Schutz der Meinungsäußerungsfreiheit – Matthias C. Kettemann, Caroline Böck & Martin Müller
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| | Diamond Open Access: Collaborative blueprint
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How can Diamond Open Access be organised and funded fairly in Germany? In this multi-stakeholder workshop hosted by the ELADOAH project, we will present and discuss a draft blueprint based on literature analysis, expert interviews and previous workshops. The event will include invited representatives from libraries, journals, publishers, research institutions and funding organisations. |
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| The Long Night of the Sciences |
We are opening our doors to Berliners for a night full of behind-the-scenes action with our researchers. Join us for hands-on insights into disinformation, AI and human–machine interaction. Play our exit game on control and ethics, test your knowledge and find out whether you are chatting with a human or an AI. Snacks and summer vibes included! |
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| Hostility towards science: Summer School |
How can researchers strengthen their resilience in the face of hostility and hate speech? Our upcoming Summer School offers hands-on training in science communication, helping participants develop strategies to protect their work and themselves in public discourse. Organised by the Kapaz project team, the programme welcomes researchers from all disciplines and will take place at our institute. |
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| Beyond HIIG · Events that caught our eye | | |
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