Many big tech companies collect a lot of data about us, which they then use for their so-called “algorithms”, which determine what we see. But how exactly does this work? Why are platforms, advertisers and media companies so eager to use data and algorithms? And what does scientific research say about the influence of algorithms …
Podcast episode: Brahim Zarouali on algorithms in our digital society Read More »
Tailor-made messages from political parties that are targeted based on your personality can have an effect on voting intentions, according to a recent study carried about by ICDS researchers Brahim Zarouali, Tom Dobber & Claes de Vreese. This finding has led to news coverage on multiple outlets, among others, the NOS (national public broadcaster of …
ICDS research on personality-congruent political microtargeting in the news Read More »
Natali Helberger and Brahim Zarouali (ICDS) were involved in the WODC research report on the “legal routes for the speedy removal of unlawful online content”. This study was set up in the context of the Dutch Minister for Legal Protection’s agenda to improve the position of victims of unlawful online content. The motivation behind this …
Brahim and Natali involved in report on removal of unlawful online content Read More »
The PERSONEWS project, funded by the European Research Council, is one of the first to examine, in depth, the impact of algorithmic news recommendations for both users and news media providers. It is shedding important light on how much we should really be concerned and what safeguards and innovations we can put in place to …
We are happy to announce that ICDS researchers Jef Ausloos and João Pedro Quintais have been awarded two prestigious grants by the NWO Talent Scheme VENI for Social Sciences and Humanities. With these grants, Jef and João will be able to carry out their innovative research projects on transparency and content moderation for a period of …
European Union lawmakers are currently in the process of drafting a legislative package designed to rework how internet platforms are regulated, rein in tech giants like Google and Amazon, and strengthen user rights; the The Digital Services Act. According to Natali Helberger “There’s definitely groundbreaking stuff in there” . Read the full article here: https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgz8ew/this-upcoming-european-legislation-could-reshape-internet
The privacy, security and effectiveness of the contact tracing app (CoronaMelder) in the Netherlands remain problematic. Read Joran van Apeldoorn his recent interview with Folia online where he discusses the pros and cons of the app or listen to the radio fragment from NPO Radio1. The full article can be found here: https://www.folia.nl/wetenschap/141299/door-alle-technische-problemen-wegen-voordelen-coronamelder-niet-op-tegen-nadelen Or listen …
Interview with Joran van Apeldoorn about the CoronaMelder-app Read More »