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Research for the digital society

Global, interdisciplinary, in dialogue.

The institute's DNA

News from the institute

Call for Contributions

The realities of autonomous weapons

The selected contributions will be published in a peer-reviewed edited volume. Submission deadline: 10 January 2022.

Helen Kennedy – Video Recording

Everyday life in times of datafication

The lecture on everyday experiences of living with datafication and data-related inequalities is now available on YouTube.

Research isse in focus

European Platform Alternatives

New insights into the practices of platform companies, solutions for regulation and how the European platform economy can become a sustainable alternative in the global market.

Call for applications

Internet and Society Hybrid Fellowship 2022

Interested researchers can apply for the internationally oriented programme until 24 November 2021.

YouTube Video

Judith Simon: The ethics of AI and Big Data

The recording of the lecture on the threat of AI systems to civil rights and liberties is now available online.

Quarterly Newsletter

News from our research

The Quarterly Newsletter gives you an overview of our activities, projects & events of the last three months.

Call for Founders: What has to change?

Are you a founder in Germany, or do you know one? Here is your chance to say what is going wrong. Describe one hurdle that cost you time or money and name the rule you would scrap. It takes five minutes – no solution needed. Send it in by 30 October.

Tell us what’s broken

Upcoming events

Further events

  • Oct
    26
    Learning Call: Can the EU Regulate the Attention Economy?
    Learning Call: Can the EU Regulate the Attention Economy?
    16:00 - 17:15
  • Oct
    28
    Digitaler Salon: Blindflug?
    Digitaler Salon: Blindflug?
    19:00 - 20:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society
  • Nov
    02
    Panel discussion: AI needs women
    Panel discussion: AI needs women
    10:00 - 12:15 | Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend

    • Discussion dossiers

    Platform governance

    How can the goals of corporations and the values of society be reconciled on online platforms?

    Data governance

    How can the technical, organisational, and regulatory mechanisms governing data sharing and use be shaped in the public interest?

    Artificial intelligence and society

    How can we better understand the complex and reciprocal relationship between AI systems and social processes?

    Digitalisation and sustainability

    How can technology be used responsibly, taking into account social, economic and ecological dimensions?

    Digital future of the workplace

    How will digital organisation, digitalisation, and AI in the workplace transform the world of work?

    KAPAZ- Material Collection

    Tackling hostility towards science

    What can be done when research comes under pressure? This resource collection supports researchers and institutions with strategies and tools for responding to hostile attacks.

    KI-Kompas

    AI compass

    AI is embedded across many areas of society, from medicine to nature conservation. Our card game presents concrete applications and invites players to critically examine their uses and implications.

    Data Governance Wegweiser - Digital Governance Lab

    Data governance guide

    Why does the potential of municipal data so often go unrealised? This handbook supports public administrations in planning and implementing data-driven projects in legally sound ways.

    DIGITAL SOCIETY BLOG

    Further articles

    There are piles of colourful stones stacked on top of each other. They symbolise the debate among Bundestag members about wealth taxation on social media.
    Sami Nenno | 9. October 2026

    #TaxTheRich: How do members of the German Bundestag debate wealth taxation on social media?

    Germany’s Constitutional Court is reviewing the inheritance tax. A study shows how members of the Bundestag argue online.

    A black, white and ginger cat peeking out from behind a wall, symbolising the cat and mouse game surrounding the Digital Services Act.
    Daniel Pothmann | 6. October 2026

    Enforcing the Digital Services Act: A cat & mouse game?

    The Digital Services Act has been in force for two years. Is it working as expected? A look at enforcement progress and geopolitical influences.

    Hendrik Send, Martin Wrobel | 6. October 2026

    AI startups made in Germany — Specialisation instead of computing power

    What role do AI startups play in Germany’s position in the global AI race? This article draws on ten interviews to offer insight into their business models.