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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

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.

Call for applications

Internet and Society Fellowship 2026

The Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is opening its doors to new fellows in the research focus are Democratic Change and Knowledge.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Further events

  • July 29
    Digitaler Salon: Gott und die Maschine
    19:00 - 20:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society | AI
  • August 11
    3rd Workshop on ‘Public Interest AI’
    All Day | Messe Bremen (Exhibition Center) |
  • September 18
    Workshop: Academic freedom under pressure
    9:00 - 15:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society |

    • 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…

    Featured Topics

    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

    Rows of empty blue chairs in a plenary hall, symbolizing the question of whether AI can strengthen democracy.

    Can AI strengthen democracy? A data collection on AI projects aiming to serve democratic processes

    This article introduces a dataset of 98 AI projects claiming to serve democracy, built to help researchers test these claims.

    S. Youssef, T. Züger, L. Winter on 13 July 2026
    The photo shows the Statue of Liberty's law tablet as a symbol of the freedom of expression in the transatlantic DSA debate.

    Between accusations of censorship and platform power: What the Digital Services Act actually regulates

    The DSA is increasingly attacked as “censorship law”. This article argues: Its core purpose is to protect freedom of expression online.

    Matthias Kettemann, Wolfgang Schulz on 7 July 2026

    Democracy at the ballot: Results from our voting booth at the Long Night of Sciences

    We invited Berliners to share their feelings and opinions about democracy in Germany. The results will be published here soon.

    A. Watolla, M. Stenzel on 29 June 2026