Our Approach
We aim to shape societal and legal governance for algorithms and AI in order to make sure that these systems benefit everyone – not just the few. We work to achieve this mission through evidence-based advocacy:
- Advocacy: On this basis, we then develop recommendations for the governance of algorithms and AI, which we disseminate through policy work, campaigns, and communications. Through educational and engaging formats, we raise awareness of our topics among the broader public.
- Evidence: Through scientific studies, investigative journalistic research, and policy analysis, we shed light on the ways in which development and use of algorithms and AI affects people and society.
We are focusing on three main topics:
AI & Fundamental Rights
When Algorithms & AI Decide: Protect Fundamental Rights, Ensure Accountability
Be it in the workplace, in education, in policing or in social benefits: When algorithms affect decisions that significantly impact people's lives, this should be transparent and comprehensible for those affected – as well as for us as a society. Fundamental rights must be protected, and people must have access to justice if they believe they have been negatively affected or discriminated against by algorithms. To achieve this, we need transparency, control, oversight, and accountability.
AI, Society & Democracy
Algorithms & AI in Civic Discourse: Protect Humans, Defend Democracy
Social media algorithms – some of which promote polarizing, stereotypical, or inflammatory content – are shaping our public debate. AI chatbots, which have not proven to be reliable sources of information, are increasingly being integrated into search engines. Problematic content – such as deepfakes, which have become quicker and easier to create thanks to generative AI – is spread by social media algorithms, often resulting in real harm to people. Young people spend a significant amount of their time on platforms in which algorithms aim to maximize user engagement. We need to hold the providers of these platforms to account, to enable research in the public interest, and to promote literacy to help understand what all of this implies for us as individuals and society. This is a prerequisite for enabling a constructive public debate that is conducive to democracy, positive for individuals, and fair for all.
AI, Power & Sustainability
Algorithms & AI between Power and Sustainability: Fight Abuse, Ensure Justice
The current value chain behind AI is characterized by an enormous concentration of power in the hands of a few giant technology companies. The development of AI has a considerable environmental footprint, and sometimes involves precarious working conditions. Our goal must be to shape the technology to be socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Companies must take responsibility for their supply chains, ensure fair working conditions – from click workers to gig workers – and reduce their resource consumption. We must avoid concentrations of power and oligopolies, and provide public alternatives in order to promote innovation that actually benefits everyone, not just the few.