The Media Lab for Digital Sovereignty (MLDS) develops concepts for digital sovereignty and studies the responsible governance of democratic ownership forms. The Media Lab's work focuses on three areas: interdisciplinary basic research; the artistic and scientific development of digital infrastructures to empower individuals in science, art, and culture; and science communication through events and publications.
Digital sovereignty encompasses control over digital systems and data as well as their management, economic ecosystems, legal frameworks, and social forms of organization. Given attacks on academic freedom, the influence of platform capitalism, and AI-generated content on scientific, personal, and intellectual data, the MLDS aims to bolster digital sovereignty in science, art, and culture.
An interdisciplinary working group is developing a strategy paper for GLAM and educational institutions to promote media literacy when dealing with data, AI, Web3, and digital governance. The lab seeks to collaborate with universities, foundations, legislators, and the private sector.