The Digital Technology for Democracy Lab is a collaboration across the University of Virginia that explores the intersections of democracy and digital technology, including how rapidly evolving digital technologies can challenge but also fortify democratic institutions and practices.
Funded by UVA’s Grand Challenges Research Initiatives, the Lab supports faculty research and a robust post-doctoral fellowship and practitioner program and establishes collaborations and exchanges among academia and thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, activists, civil-society organizations, artists, designers, and others, taking a transdisciplinary and global approach.
Our People
Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Team
Meet the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab team at the University of Virginia.
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Upcoming Events
Co-Opting AI: Taxes
Join panelists for a conversation that will discuss AI, taxation, and fair distribution vis-à-vis strategies for enhancing productivity and innovation.
Past Events
Past Events: Digital Technology for Democracy Lab
View past events for the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab at the Karsh Institute.
In the News
Charting AI Regulations for Ethical Law Enforcement
UVA Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's Maria Lungu writes that AI is increasingly becoming a key player in various sectors, and policing is no exception.
patimes.org
Brazil Seeks To Break Starlink Monopoly
“We don’t know to what extent [the election of Donald Trump] could affect Brazil’s sovereignty," worries Yasmin Curzi of UVA's Digital Technology for Democracy Lab. "Starlink may disclose Internet traffic data to the U.S. government."
time.news
Elon Musk’s Feud With Brazilian Judge Is About National Sovereignty, Freedom of Speech, and the Rule of Law
Brazil’s attempt to strike a balance between free speech and regulation of online platforms has become politicized, writes Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's Yasmin Curzi de Mendonça.
theconversation.com
Elon Musk Uses X To Push His Own Story About the Platform's Suspension in Brazil
“[Brazil's] laws pertaining to free speech are different from the First Amendment in this country,” said the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's David Nemer. “In Brazil, hate speech is not protected.”
www.nbcnews.com
How Brazil’s Experiment Fighting Fake News Led to a Ban on X
"When we saw the X decision, we were like: ‘What the hell? This is too much,’” said the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's David Nemer. “It was a warning to all of us.”
www.nytimes.com
With Musk’s X Banned in Brazil, Its Users Carve out New Digital Homes
Weak performance belies X's importance as a gathering place for journalists, politicians, academics, and celebrities whose interactions resounded far beyond, according to the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's David Nemer.
apnews.com
An Investment in Democracy
Grand Challenges Research Investments move the needle with a new Digital Technology for Democracy Lab.
giving.virginia.edu