Skip to content

A breath of fresh air.

Our new research focuses are
available for exploration!

A breath of fresh air.

Our new research focuses
are available for exploration!

NEWS FROM THE INSTITUTE

Press

Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is hard to tackle

Matthias Kettemann and other experts comment on the X scandal surrounding AI-generated nude images on Deutschlandfunk.

Press

How ‘alternative facts’ gain traction

On Deutschlandfunk, Jeanette Hofmann explains why many people continue to believe misinformation about the killing of Renee Good. 

Press

Call for global AI governance

In China Daily, Matthias C. Kettemann warns about the fragmentation of global AI structures, emphasising the need for stronger cooperation. 

Press

Ban on social media: arguments for and against a ban

Matthias Kettemann comments on the debate around a social media ban for minors.

Research project

Impact AI: Project Council

11 outstanding experts from a range of disciplines will accompany the Impact AI research project over a period of five years.

Annual research magazine

encore 2025/2026

Our research magazine is more than just a review of the last twelve months: it showcases the impact of our research beyond academia.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Further events

  • January 28
    From consent to control: A new tool for effective self-determination over your data
    16:00 - 18:30 | Einstein Center Digital Future |
  • January 28
    Digitaler Salon: Unfreiwillig & Selbstbestimmt
    19:00 - 20:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society | Everyday Life
  • April 28
    DSA Research Network: Fourth Meeting of the Circle of Friends 
    15:00 - 16:30 | Online |

    • More to come soon.

    Explore our current issues
    while we reshape our research agenda…

    More to come soon.

    Explore our current issues
    while we reshape our research agenda…

    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.

    Data Governance Guide

    smart city_startseite

    Our new handbook provides guidance on the legally compliant and efficient use of data for administrations.

    DIGITAL SOCIETY BLOG

    Further articles

    Semi-transparent glass floor with only footprints visible, symbolising partial insight like the DSA's transparency reports that show traces but not the full picture.

    Counting without accountability? An analysis of the DSA’s transparency reports

    Are the DSA’s transparency reports really holding platforms accountable? A critical analyses of reports from major platforms reveals gaps and raises doubts.

    Jella Ohnesorge on 25 September 2025
    A lone shark in the blue ocean symbolises pressure, rivalry and the “shark tank” metaphor. The image reflects emotionless competition at work, where AI can trigger feelings of inferiority and lead to a loss of trust in the technology.

    Emotionless competition at work: When trust in Artificial Intelligence falters

    Emotionless competition with AI harms workplace trust. When employees feel outperformed by machines, confidence in their skills and the technology declines.

    Lorenz Graf-Vlachy on 4 September 2025
    Rowers hold on to each other in boats forming a row. The image illustrates that defending Europe’s disinformation researchers against coordinated attacks needs a united strategy.

    Defending Europe’s disinformation researchers

    Disinformation researchers in Europe face lawsuits, harassment & smear campaigns. What is behind these attacks? How should the EU respond?

    Ben Shultz on 27 August 2025