To mark Europe Day today, the European Research Executive Agency released an article on Science for Democracy exploring the role of research in understanding and fostering democracy.
Highlighted in the article is ADAPT’s VIGILANT project, which tackles the pressing issue of policing social media. The rampant spread of disinformation, fueled by motives of greed, hate, or power, poses a significant threat. This issue, exemplified by the proliferation of bots and the dissemination of false information via social platforms, distorts public perceptions and undermines trust in reliable sources, thereby eroding democratic processes.
In response, VIGILANT is developing an advanced platform equipped with cutting-edge tools to monitor and analyse disinformation and hateful content online. Leveraging state-of-the-art AI methods tailored to law enforcement needs, the platform can be deployed across various social media platforms and websites, aiding investigations into online threats.
Also featured is the Knowledge Technologies for Democracy (KT4D) project, which explores the intersection of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and democratic processes. Recognising the profound impact of technology on society, KT4D investigates how democracy and civic engagement can flourish amidst evolving knowledge technologies. By integrating participatory democracy values into software design, the project seeks to empower communities and bolster trust in both institutions and technology across multiple European cities.
Led by Trinity College Dublin, KT4D boasts a consortium of 12 partner organisations, comprising research performing organisations, SMEs, and non-governmental organisations, each bringing extensive expertise in technology, communication, and research to the table.
For further insights, the full article can be accessed here.
