The Social-Science Track “(De-)Centralisation of Digital Infrastructures” aims to discuss the problems of centralised digital infrastructures, the power of platforms and their impact on digital societies and their citizens, and the possible alternatives in the form of decentralised digital infrastructures, and hence the ways in which digital resilience can be strengthened for citizens in a world of centralised and monopolised digital infrastructures.
We invite research-papers, concepts and discussion-papers from social science scholars, interdisciplinary teams including non-social science disciplines such as from the computer science, and papers which incorporate non-academic collaborators, contributing to one or more of the following general topics:
- The problems that arise from centralisation of digital infrastructures and platforms and their impact on democratic societies
- Digital Infrastructures and democratic principles of free speech, elections, minority rights and human rights, and resilience of digital citizens
- The resilience of digital infrastructures, and how does centralisation, size and global reach influence this factor – how robust are digital infrastructures, what measures are in place to safeguard against disruptions, and how are responsibilities negotiated in times of disruption?
- Alternative models for regulating and shaping digital infrastructures, such as decentralised initiatives, public digital infrastructures, open-source initiatives, etc.
The full Call for extended Abstracts can be found here.
Information on abstracts and submission:
- An extended 1000-word abstract is required.
- The deadline for abstracts is 30th June 2023
- Abstracts should be submitted via e-mail to office@vicesse.eu
- Review Results and information to the authors by 28th of July 2023
- For more information or inquiries, please contact: roger.von.laufenberg@vicesse.eu