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Impetus for the digital society

NEWS FROM THE INSTITUTE

Video: Manuel Castells in Berlin

On 12 December, the influential sociologist Manuel Castells inaugurated our new academic lecture series on “Making sense of the digital society“ at Kino International…

Castells inaugurates lecture series on digital society

The current rapid social and technological change brings about enormous uncertainties – a great need for explanations and sense-making but also of shaping our…

New study: Collaboration with startups fosters innovative capacity

The collaboration between startups and medium-sized companies promises major advantages for both sides. Furthermore, it contributes to Germany’s innovative capacity. A new HIIG study…

Digitaler Salon: Hacking the Ivory Tower

How can science have a greater impact on society? And how are science slammers and open access related to this? At the last Digitaler…

Now available: HIIG Quarterly

Why did two HIIG researchers sign a letter to Mark Zuckerberg? When is Manuel Castells going to kick off our new lecture series? How…

European internet research on the rise

Together with other institutes we started a new platform for scientific cooperation and exchange. The recently founded “European Hub” aims at strenghtening european internet…

UPCOMING EVENTS

Further events

  • July 21
    From Rejection to Regulation: Mapping the Landscape of AI Resistance
    14:00 - 16:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society |
  • July 22
    XIXth Interdisciplinary Workshop “Privacy, Data Protection & Surveillance”
    12:00 - 18:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society |
  • October 09
    Risik narratives in the field of privacy, surveillance, and data protection
    All Day | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society |

    • RESEARCH ISSUES IN FOCUS

    Platform governance

    In our research on platform governance, we investigate how corporate goals and social values can be balanced on online platforms.
    Du siehst eine Tastatur auf der eine Taste rot gefärbt ist und auf der „Control“ steht. Eine bildliche Metapher für die Regulierung von digitalen Plattformen im Internet und Data Governance. You see a keyboard on which one key is coloured red and says "Control". A figurative metaphor for the regulation of digital platforms on the internet and data governance.

    Data governance

    We develop robust data governance frameworks and models to provide practical solutions for good data governance policies.
    Du siehst Eisenbahnschienen. Die vielen verschiedenen Abzweigungen symbolisieren die Entscheidungsmöglichkeiten von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Gesellschaft. Manche gehen nach oben, unten, rechts. Manche enden auch in Sackgassen. Englisch: You see railway tracks. The many different branches symbolise the decision-making possibilities of artificial intelligence and society. Some go up, down, to the right. Some also end in dead ends.

    Artificial intelligence and society

    The future of artificial Intelligence and society operates in diverse societal contexts. 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.
    Du siehst eine Bibliothek mit einer runden Treppe die sich in die höhe schraubt. Sie steht sinnbildlich für die sich stetig weiterentwickelnden digitalen Infrastrukturen unserer Wissensgesellschaft. You see a library with a round staircase that spirals upwards. It symbolises the constantly evolving digital infrastructures of our knowledge society.

    Open higher education

    We explore the use of open higher education & edtech to create, share and disseminate knowledge for all in our knowledge society.
    Man sieht einen leeren Büroraum ohne Möbel und braunen Teppichboden. Das Bild steht sinnbildlich für die Frage, wie die Arbeit der Zukunft und digitales Organisieren und Zukunft unseren Arbeitsplatz beeinflusst. You see an empty office room without furniture and brown carpeting. The image is emblematic of the question of how the work of the future and digital organising and the future will influence our workplace.

    Digital future of the workplace

    How will AI and digitalisation change the future of the workplace? We assess their impact, and the opportunities and risks for the future of work.

    Experts for Media

    HIIG Expertise – Startseite - Micro - single

    Here you will find our experts on current press topics relating to the Internet and digitalisation.

    AI Compass

    KI Kompass Startseite

    Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI). But what is all the hype? Find out with this card game.

    SIMBA

    Simba Startseite

    Our new AI prototype helps people to understand German texts and summarise them in simplified language.

    DIGITAL SOCIETY BLOG

    Further articles

    A retro black television on a wooden table, representing traditional news broadcasts such as the Tagesschau and the new simplified format 'Tagesschau in Einfacher Sprache'.

    Online echoes: the Tagesschau in Einfacher Sprache

    How is the Tagesschau in Einfacher Sprache perceived? This analysis of Reddit comments reveals how the new simplified format news is discussed online.

    Anne-Kathrin Berg, Freya Hewett on 30 June 2025
    An older woman in a wheelchair sitting alone. This reflects the urgent need to combat loneliness through digital tools and community-based, inclusive care facilities.

    Opportunities to combat loneliness: How care facilities are connecting neighborhoods

    Can digital tools help combat loneliness in old age? Care facilities are rethinking their role as inclusive, connected places in the community.

    Annika Ulich, Thomas Schildhauer on 5 June 2025
    Antique stone statue of a woman holding a mask, symbolising the stolen identities and loss of consent in deepfake pornography."** Let me know if you'd like it adjusted for a specific platform or audience.

    Unwillingly naked: How deepfake pornography intensifies sexualised violence against women

    Deepfake pornography uses AI to create fake nude images without consent, primarily targeting women. Learn how it amplifies inequality and what must change.

    Katharina Mosene on 2 June 2025