Humans & machines in (dis)harmony? – A walk through content moderation

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) invites you to a gallery walk as part of the project Human in the Loop? Autonomy and Automation in Socio-Technical Systems (Hilo) to conclude a case study on decision-making processes in content moderation. The event will be held in English.

Humans & machines in (dis)harmony? – A walk through content moderation

Gallery Walk
3 November 2025 • 3:30 – 5:00 pm (CET)
Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
Französische Str. 9, 10117 Berlin

Content moderation on large online platforms (e.g., Instagram, YouTube, or X) is an important example for increasing automation. It involves detecting, evaluating and, if necessary, removing harmful content on platforms, in compliance with internal guidelines and regulation (incl. the Digital Services Act). The goal of effective content moderation is to maintain respectful and safe online discourse. For example, by identifying and sanctioning hate speech, explicit content, or disinformation. This moderation process is increasingly carried out in collaboration between algorithmic systems and human moderators.

This gallery walk marks the end of our case study in the research project Human in the Loop? Autonomy and Automation in Socio-Technical Systems (Hilo). It is funded by the Mercator Foundation and carried out by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). The project investigates the increasingly complex collaboration between humans and machines in decision-making processes. It explores, how this socio-technical interplay can be arranged in a way that allows its potential advantages to be realised while reducing accompanying risks.

At this stage, we would like to share our findings with you!

Our event is aimed at an interested audience of people working in, with, or on the topic of content moderation (e.g., NGOs, platform representatives, or moderation workers). It includes an interview with human rights and AI activist Mophat Okinyi. Furthermore, you can explore the Code of Conduct for Human-Machine Interaction in the Context of Content Governance (“CoC Automation”). This document sets out normative and ethical guidelines for designing and regulating moderation processes on digital platforms. You can also enjoy insights into our escape game on automated decision-making.

Speakers

Mophat Okinyi, he is founder & CEO of Techworker Community Africa. As AI and human rights activist, his primary focus lies in advocating for the fair treatment and rights of online content moderators, tech workers and data training professionals.

Agenda

Participation

If you would like to participate in the workshop, please register until 27 October 2025 using the below form. After registration, you will receive an automated reply that we have received your information. Please note that only after receiving a second email approving your registration, we can confirm your participation.

Bookings