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Modern subway station escalators leading to platforms, symbolizing the structured pathways of access rights. In the context of online platforms, such rights enable research but impose narrow constraints, raising questions about academic freedom.

Why access rights to platform data for researchers restrict, not promote, academic freedom

New German and EU digital laws grant researchers access rights to platform data, but narrow definitions of research risk undermining academic freedom.

Three groups of icons representing people have shapes travelling between them and a page in the middle of the image. The page is a simple rectangle with straight lines representing data used for people analytics. The shapes traveling towards the page are irregular and in squiggly bands.

Empowering workers with data

As workplaces become data-driven, can workers use people analytics to advocate for their rights? This article explores how data empowers workers and unions.

A stylised illustration featuring a large "X" in a minimalist font, with a dry branch and faded leaves on one side, and a vibrant blue bird in flight on the other. The image symbolises transition, with the bird representing the former Twitter logo and the "X" symbolising the platform's rebranding and policy changes under Elon Musk.

Two years after the takeover: Four key policy changes of X under Musk

This article outlines four key policy changes of X since Musk’s 2022 takeover, highlighting how the platform’s approach to content moderation has evolved.

Further blog articles

The picture shows a tractor cultivating a field from above. One side of the field is covered in green, the other is dry and earthy. This is intended to show that although sustainable AI can be useful in the fight against climate change, it also comes at a high ecological cost.

Between vision and reality: Discourses about Sustainable AI in Germany

This article explores Sustainable AI and Germany’s shift from optimism to concern about its environmental impact. Can AI really combat climate change?

The photo shows a group of runners from above, leaving long shadows on the ground. Together they shape an arrow, symbolising that while many hail AI as technology of the future it often uses historical data and is predicting the past.

One step forward, two steps back: Why artificial intelligence is currently mainly predicting the past

While AI is seen as technology of the future, it often relies on historical data. This blog post examines how AI can reproduce social inequalities and bias.

The picture shows a white wall with several clocks, all showing a different time. This symbolises the paradoxical impact of generative AI in the workplace on productivity.

Between time savings and additional effort: Generative AI in the workplace 

Generative AI in the workplace is enhancing productivity, yet employees face mixed results. This post examines chatbots’ paradoxical impact on efficiency.

The picture shows seven yellow heads of lego figures, portraying different emotions. This symbolizes the emotions university educators go through in the process of resistance to change due to digitalisation.

Resistance to change: Challenges and opportunities in digital higher education

Resistance to change in higher education is inevitable. However, if properly understood, it can contribute to shaping digital transformation constructively.

The picture shows a young lion, symbolising our automated German text simplifier Simba, which was developed by our research group Public Interest AI.

From theory to practice and back again: A journey in public interest AI

This blog post reflects on our initial Public Interest AI principles, using our experiences from developing Simba, an open-source German text simplifier.

The picture shows an invitation to the Berlin living lab, symbolizing citizen participation in digital city administrations.

Mobility transition in the neighbourhood: Simulating citizen participation in Berlin’s digital administration

How can data and digital solutions drive urban development? In the living lab, we tested citizen participation within Berlin’s digital administration.

The photo shows a zebra crossing from above with people crossing the street, representing citizen participation in data-driven processes.

Participation in smart cities

This blog article examines citizen participation in data-driven processes and the challenges that must be overcome for successful participation.

The photo shows a basket with tomatoes, symbolising the collection of user data in the process of personalisation.

There’s no one following me around the supermarket

In the public debate about personalisation there are many misconceptions. The SID project studies user perceptions to develop new approaches.

The photo shows an arrow sign on a brick wall, symbolising the DSA in terms of navigating platform power.

Navigating platform power: From European elections to the regulatory future

Looking back at the European elections in June 2024, this blog post takes stock of the Digital Services Act’s effect in terms of navigating platform power.

The image shows a football field from above. The players are only visible because of their shadows, symbolizing Humans in the Loop.

AI under supervision: Do we need Humans in the Loop in automation processes?

Automated decisions have advantages but are not always flawless. Some suggest a Human in the Loop as a solution. But does it guarantee better outcomes?

The image shows blue dices that are connected to eachother, symbolising B2B platforms.

The plurality of digital B2B platforms

This blog post dives into the diversity of digital business-to-business platforms, categorising them by governance styles and strategic aims.

The picture shows a hand with a pink glove and a cleaning spray, symbolising that this blog post wants to get rid of popular Science Myths.

Debunking science myths: Preconceptions about science put to the test

What is really true about preconceptions about science? Four popular myths about a constantly quarrelling group of professionals explained simply.

The photo shows a group of young people all looking on their mobile phones, showing that someone with No Smartphone is excluded and perceived as weird.

No Smartphone = Cringe Weirdo

In this blog post, author Jascha Bareis shares his experiences since getting his first smartphone just this year. 

This picture shows the blue and yellow flag of the European Union representing the upcoming European elections.

European elections and digital policy: German party positions

To what extent are German parties addressing digital policy in the European elections? A glance at the election programmes reveals different priorities.

The picture shows multiple hands holding each other, symbolising the integration of gender and inclusivity into digital cultural policies.

Integrating gender and inclusivity in digital cultural policies: insights from Berlin and Barcelona

Could Berlin and Barcelona’s integrative approach to digitalisation serve as a blueprint for a new European cultural policy in the digital age?

The picture shows colourful puzzle pieces, symbolising that AI for environmental protection is one part of many to protect our planet.

One small part of many – AI for environmental protection

What role does AI play in applications for environmental protection? This blog post takes a look at six German projects that use AI for this purpose.

The photo shows a hand holding a digital map on a smartphone, symbolising GIS technology and Geodata.

Navigating the urban maze: GIS technology and the blurring boundaries between digital and physical infrastructure

The progression of GIS technology and Geodata questions if digital maps should be regarded as physical public infrastructure.

Toolkit "Making Sense of the Future" lays on the table, representing digital futures in the classroom.

Making Sense of the Future: New brainteasers for digital futures in the classroom

Explore “Making Sense of the Future”, an open educational resource combining futures studies and creative exploration to reimagine our digital futures.