Research issues in focus
Based on its research focus and programmes, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is currently addressing these topics. Here you can find out more about our interdisciplinary pioneering work and activities in public discourse.
Newsletter
We will inform you regularly about our research activities and events.
Platform regulation and data governance
Digital platforms play a crucial role in our society. We investigate the regulation of new public spheres and the governance of their data.
Artificial intelligence and society
Artificial Intelligence is operating in diverse contexts of our society. What can we learn from its political, social and cultural facets?
Digitalisation and sustainability
In terms of sustainability, digitalisation faces countless opportunities and challenges. We explore how technology is used responsibly.
Digital infrastructures of the knowledge society
We explore the use of digital infrastructures to create, share and disseminate knowledge for all in our knowledge society.
Digital organising and the future of work
The future of work is characterised by spatial and temporal flexibility and by the increasing interaction between people and technology.
Autonomy, autonomous systems and robots
Autonomous systems show the enormous influence of AI on our society. We investigate the complex relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
European Platform Alternatives
In this reasearch issue, we focus on how Europe’s digital platform economy can be governed to achieve fairer results for all stakeholders.
Digital Ethics
Where do we currently stand on the issue of digital ethics? And what do these comprehensive changes in our actions mean for democracy?
Surveillance
The state monitors its citizens, Internet companies monitor their users - and finally we monitor ourselves and each other. Who monitors whom and why?
How COVID-19 impacts digital technologies
Will the Corona pandemic impact key subjects of digital technologies? How and why does Covid-19 affect digitalization and the internet?
Algorithmic decisions and human rights
AI has an impact on nearly all areas of life. However, automated decisions lead to difficult human rights questions. So, what's the role of law and ethics?
Digital innovation and entrepreneurship
In our dossier we look at concrete activities and strategies of SMEs in terms of digital innovation. What exactly do successful digitisation projects look like in medium-sized companies?
Governing AI: Political players between vision and regulation
How do political actors position themselves in the AI debate? Where do their strategies differ? Is politics here more of a driver or a driven force?
Exploring the digital society
To understand current social and technological change, we need explanations that help shape our future.
Work in the digital age
The Future of Work is now. Platforms and "Artificial Intelligence" are changing workplaces and lives already. Find out how in this dossier!
GDPR – what’s beyond?
New rights for consumers, new obligations for businesses: European data protection law will receive a massive update, as the EU’s general data protection regulation will enter into force on 25 May 2018.
Understanding Platform Governance
More and more people and institutions communicate via Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and co. They allow us to share photos, news, opinions and status updates of all kinds with the whole world.
Fundamental rights in the digital age
The Internet is a space where social relationships are cultivated, business is conducted, new knowledge is created, and all kinds of networks are built. But do fundamental rights exist in this growing digital habitat?
Open Science
Scientifically generated data and results should not vanish behind paywalls and in expensive books, but should be publicly accessible. Open Science is on all sides a popular idea, but rarely implemented.
Data: Between Freedom and Protection
Data is polarising. It is the resource of the 21st century. It enables business models and innovations in society, science and politics. Some people want to use it, others want to protect it and many regard their dwindling privacy with scepticism.
Internet Rules !?
What rules has the internet created, what ones has it got rid off and what ones does it urgently need? Internet researchers from around the world will be meeting in Berlin at #AoIR2016.