The event From Research to Action: A Dialogue on Information and Democracy focused on the Observatory’s report Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy, which was released earlier this year in January. The event saw many notable experts, members of the Steering Committee, Rapporteurs, and Swedish policymakers, and served as a reflection on how Observatory’s findings can shape the governance of information ecosystems, moving beyond policy recommendations to have a tangible impact.

Morning in Conversations

Opening the dialogue, Camille Grenier, Executive Director of the Forum on Information and Democracy, highlighted how the Observatory has been able to evolve into a research interface between researchers, civil society, academicians and policymakers. Thereafter, Andreas Eriksson, Secretary General at The Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, and Erik Larsson, Spokesperson at RSF Sweden, spoke about how both information integrity and democracy have come under threat globally in recent times and underscored the importance of the work being driven by the Observatory. 

Professor Robin Mansell, Scientific Director of the Observatory first research cycle, followed with a high-level overview of the report. She traced the Observatory’s path from synthesising more than 3,000 sources and 1,600 citations across 84 countries, bringing together 400 experts and researchers, and building an interdisciplinary evidence base that connects media, AI, and data governance with the cross-cutting theme of disinformation.

Need to translate research into policy

In the first panel moderated by Rose-Marie Santini, panellists shared how the meta-research and evidence produced by the Observatory can be used by a range of actors, from media practitioners to policymakers and civil society champions, to strengthen information integrity further. 

Panelists, including MP Erik Ottoson of the Moderate Party, MP Ulrika Westerlund of the Green Party, and Steering Committee members Admire Mare Jhalak Kakkar, delved into how the findings and recommendations of the report can be incorporated into regulation and practice. 

There was a consensus in the panel on the need for rules and enabling policies to safeguard communication infrastructures, the need for independent journalism and baking transparency and rights-respecting principles into data governance frameworks, especially given the geopolitical shifts and technological pressure on the flow of trustworthy information.

Key takeaways from the global meta-analysis and insights from the roadshow

In the second panel, moderated by Minna Horowitz, panellists conducted an in-depth examination of the findings and contemporary challenges threatening information ecosystems and democratic resilience across the globe. 

The panel, consisting of Théophile Lenoir, Media Rapporteur; Poncelet Ileleji, Contributor; Flavia Durach, Media Rapporteur; and Emily Tucker, Data Rapporteur, emphasized the importance of viewing information integrity as a systemic question that cuts across governance, infrastructure, and equity and not just an isolated policy issue. 

They highlighted that safeguarding democracy in the digital age requires strengthening public-interest media, closing data gaps between regions, and designing accountability mechanisms that are technically sound, socially inclusive and rights-centric.

Use of existing regulatory frameworks 

The conversation concluded with an interview of the Steering Committee Chair Courtney Radsch, PhD by Gyan Tripathi, Strategic Advisor of the Observatory  on the contemporary challenges and the path forward. 

Ms. Radsch shared the growing relevance of competition law as a tool to rein in the dominance of major digital platforms, ensuring that market concentration does not translate into informational or democratic concentration.

Looking ahead

The experts agreed on the need for the Observatory to continue conducting research and equip lawmakers and stakeholders with tools and evidence to safeguard democracy and information integrity. There was also a particular emphasis on diversifying the focus and ensuring the participation of the Global Majority to rebalance research geography. 

Camille Grenier shared that the Observatory’s future cycles will deepen partnerships with universities and think tanks in the Global Majority, ensuring that research on democracy is not only about the Global South but increasingly authored from it.

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The meeting marked a new stop in the global dissemination of the Observatory’s landmark report Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy, and focused on the applicability of the policy recommendations within the Dutch and broader EU context.

The event opened with introductory remarks from Camille Grenier, Executive Director of the Forum on Information and Democracy, and Sara Spaargaren, Manager of the AIMDL. Natali Helberger offered a presentation of the ambitions of AlgoSoc, a major interdisciplinary program supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Structural power asymmetries between Big Tech and news media in the digital media ecosystem

The first panel examined the digital power dynamics affecting media ecosystems, especially the growing imbalance between tech platforms and news media institutions. The discussion was animated by:

• Flavia Durach, Associate Professor at the National University for Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest, and Rapporteur for the OID, who presented her research on disinformation threats at the European level and the dynamics between media and online platforms.
• Thomas Poell, Professor of “Data, Culture & Institutions” at the University of Amsterdam, and co-author of “Platforms and Cultural Production” (Polity, 2022). He explored the power accumulation of online platforms, relying on his research on digital economies and AI. 

The event relied on several chapters of OID’s reports, namely Chapter 2, News Media, Information Integrity and the Public Sphere, which explores how the asymmetrical power relations between traditional news media organizations and online news media led to an ‘information crisis’; Chapter 3, Artificial Intelligence, Information Ecosystems, and Democracy, the interdependencies between AI-driven content moderation and democratic processes; and Chapter 4, Big Tech Power and Governing Uses of Data, underscoring the role of monopolistic actors in data extraction and use and their influences on political deliberation.

Informing evidence-based policy-making for a troubled media ecosystem

Robin Mansell, Scientific Director of the OID and Professor Emeritus at the Department of Media and Communications, LSE, and Natali Helberger, of AIMDL/AlgoSoc, presented how evidence-based policymaking can help address the issues facing the media ecosystem today.

The discussion was based on the report’s conclusions, Chapter 9, Section 6. They highlighted the need for adopting a comprehensive policy approach, in coordination with civil society organizations and academic institutions, to address the systemic issues preventing the development of democratic resilience.

Empowering news media: Evaluating policy recommendations in the Dutch/EU context

Finally, the main session, facilitated by Claes de Vreese, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Society at the University of Amsterdam, and researcher at the AIMDL and AlgoSoc, focused on translating research into policy recommendations and assessing their feasibility in the context of the Dutch and EU landscapes. 

The discussion addressed the role governments can play in building enabling environments for media sustainability through direct funding or other policy areas. It also emphasized on the need for more data evidence to enforce already existing regulations, stressing on the need for research to interface policy.

Proposals for future action included calls for further research, notably on analysing the exclusions and inequitable inclusions through algorithmic models, how human rights and freedoms are impacted by these structural inequalities and tech biases, and, ultimately, how to reimagine data governance and democratic processes.

Closing reflections

This event contributed to explore how our landmark report can inform policy action in Europe and to contextualize the global findings in national contexts. Research priorities identified, call to action.. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers, speakers, and participants for these enriching discussions. To explore further, we invite you to read our full report and its executive summary in both French and English and to explore our interactive tools.

📌 Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy Global Assessment Report

📌 Executive Summary in French

📌 Executive Summary in English

📌 Interactive Report Literature Data Map

📌 AIDA Assistant 

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A Morning Dedicated to Combating Information Manipulation

The day began with a series of discussions highlighting contemporary challenges related to information manipulation. After opening remarks by Mehdi Gmar and Major General Jean-Michel Meunier, the Director of Radio France International, Jean-Marc Four set the stage with an impactful keynote speech about journalism in the modern public sphere.

The morning discussions addressed several fundamental topics:

• The current state of research and initiatives on disinformation.
• The presentation of the DIMA project (a framework for analyzing cognitive warfare) by Bertrand Boyer.
• The role of diverse ecosystems in fighting disinformation, explored in a roundtable discussion moderated by Émilie Bonnefoy.
• The analysis of narrative dynamics and their propagation by Sciences Po professor Dominique Boullier.
• Jean Cattan  from the National Digital Council expertly wrapped up the morning with inspiring concluding remarks.

An Afternoon Focused on Datafication, AI, and Their Democratic Impacts: the Observatory’s report taking center stage

The afternoon featured the conference “Datafication, Artificial Intelligence, and Disinformation: Consequences and Strategies for Public and Media Resilience.” Based on the strong partnership between the CNRS and the Observatory on Information and Democracy, this session was an opportunity to present the findings of our first report, “Information Ecosystem and Troubled Democracy.”

Iris Boyer , Head of the Observatory, opened the session by introducing the Forum on Information and Democracy and the Observatory’s methodology, followed by a presentation by Robin Mansell, the scientific director of the report, who outlined its main conclusions. Our findings were the starting points for following panel discussions focused on:

• The power asymmetry of major platforms and the sustainability of media, discussed in a panel featuring Christine Abdalla Mikhaeil and Michel Le Nouy.
• The challenges of AI and disinformation, with contributions from Patrick Bas, Julien Falgas, and Alda Mari.

A Day of Insightful Exchanges and New Perspectives

Our participation in this event contributed to the ongoing debate on protecting information and democracy against emerging digital challenges. The diversity of experts and researchers provided a multidisciplinary and complementary perspective, essential for developing effective strategies against disinformation.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers, speakers, and participants for these enriching discussions. To explore further, we invite you to read our full report and its executive summary in both French and English and to explore the interactive data map developed in partnership with CNRS’s institut des Systèmes Comples:

📌 Information Ecosystem and Troubled Democracy

📌 Executive Summary in French

📌 Executive Summary in English

📌 Interactive map on the report’s semantic landscape

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Key Insights from the Event

The event was introduced by the Forum’s policy officer Emma Gruden who presented the organisation’s mandate and the Observatory’s mission and ambition. It was followed by a lecture from Professor Emeritus  Robin Mansell on the report Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy, based on her role of Scientific Director of the Observatory.

The landmark report co-authored by Matthias Kettemann and others, offers an in-depth analysis of the available evidence around the global rise of online disinformation and the increasing destabilization of democratic structures. It outlines the significant role of news media, artificial intelligence (AI), and data governance in this phenomenon emphasising the complexity of these phenomena.

At the LSE event, we had the pleasure to have a distinguished panel of experts discussing the report’s findings and engaging in lively conversations on how to respond to the present challenges. How can we safeguard democratic and information integrity in an era dominated by digital technologies?

Among many attendees, the event was supported by Professor Sonia Livingstone and our report was discussed by prominent voices in media and communication studies:

• Robin Mansell, Professor Emerita at LSE, and Scientific Director of the Observatory on Information and Democracy, provided an overview of the key findings from the report.
• Matthias C. Kettemann, Professor at the University of Innsbruck, presented the legal implications of data governance in relation to media ecosystems.
• Nick Couldry, Professor at LSE, served as the discussant, raising critical questions on the ethical dimensions of AI and its impact on information flows.

As a part of the event, attendees were given the opportunity to engage directly with the panel, discussing potential regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, and technological solutions to combat the threats posed by online disinformation. The conversation centered on ensuring media literacy, transparency in algorithmic systems, and the importance of public policy that aligns with democratic values.

The event also highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the challenges of AI-driven disinformation and data governance. As global citizens, we must work together to ensure that the principles of truth, accountability, and democracy are preserved in the digital age.

As we continue to reflect on the event, we remain inspired by the thoughtful dialogue and the collective commitment to ensuring a healthier future for our democratic institutions in the face of rapidly evolving digital landscapes.

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In the context of the Observatory on Information and Democracy dissemination event held at the Praia Vermelha campus of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, we had the pleasure of discussing our report’s results with key stakeholders in the region. Our expert panel titled “Power Asymmetries in the Global Information Ecosystem and Their Significance for Brazil and Latin America” included: 

• Marie Santini (Director of Netlab UFRJ and member of the expert committee of OI&D)
• Luca Belli (Director of the Center for Technology and Society at FGV-Rio and member of the steering committee of OI&D)
• João Brant (Secretary of Digital Policies at Secom, Federal Government)
• Natalia Zuazo (UNESCO Digital Office for Latin America and the Caribbeans)

Following the conference, our report was featured in the Brazilian national evening news (G1). Watch the full coverage here: 

https://g1.globo.com/jornal-nacional/noticia/2025/03/19/observatorio-internacional-de-informacao-e-democracia-analisa-impactos-e-desafios-da-informacao-na-era-digital.ghtml?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=share-bar-mobile&utm_campaign=materias 

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Hosted at the Centre Phi by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, the Media Ecosystem Observatory, and McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, this event was part of the Slater Family Canada-US Policy Series, where leading figures gathered to discuss the urgent need for cross-border cooperation in the fight against digital misinformation, election interference, and online harms.

Our Head of the Observatory, Iris Boyer, contributed to the panel Understanding the Online Ecosystem, where she joined esteemed experts including Nina Jankowicz, Sarah Gilbert, and moderated by Aengus Bridgman. The discussion centered on how digital spaces influence political participation, the spread of mis- and disinformation, and the challenges of civic engagement in an increasingly complex information environment. The panel underscored the need for robust research – especially from the Global Majority World – and increased efforts towards data access to safeguard democratic societies against digital threats.

Key Discussions and Insights

The two-day agenda was packed with engaging panel discussions, keynote addresses, and fireside chats featuring renowned experts. Some of the key highlights included:

• The Global Election Landscape: With numerous elections taking place worldwide in 2024 and 2025, speakers discussed the impact of mis- and disinformation, AI content manipulation, and cybersecurity risks on electoral integrity.
• Cybersecurity and National Security: Experts explored how digital vulnerabilities threaten national security and democratic stability.
• Platform Accountability & Transparency: The role of social media and big tech in shaping the information ecosystem was a central theme, with discussions on unpermissioned research and regulatory efforts to ensure accountability.
• The Role of Investigative Journalism: Leading journalists shared insights into exposing foreign influence operations and reporting responsibly on digital threats.
• The Evolution of the Digital Public Sphere: A thought-provoking keynote conversation examined how online spaces have transformed political discourse—for better or worse.

Notable speakers included Joseph Stiglitz (Nobel Laureate, Columbia University), Jay Rosen (New York University), Ethan Zuckerman (University of Massachusetts Amherst), and Stéphane Perrault (Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Canada), among many other influential voices in media, technology, and policy. The OID meaningfully engaged with the attendees, gathering increasing support and feedback and exploring collaboration opportunities in North america.

Building a More Resilient Information Ecosystem

The conference underscored the importance of collaborative strategies between governments, platforms, and civil society to defend democratic freedoms. As digital threats evolve, so must the efforts to combat them through policy innovation, responsible technology use, and public awareness.

Attention: Freedom, Interrupted was not just an event—it was a call to action. With democracy at a critical crossroads, the insights and partnerships formed in Montreal will play a crucial role in shaping a more secure and open digital future. The OID’s work perfectly fits this conversation. 

Read our reports: https://observatory.informationdemocracy.org/reports/ 

And check out our interactive data map to visualizs research advancement and gaps in studying the information ecosystem

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The Observatory on Information and Democracy (OID) first research cycle has strongly emphasised the need for a more inclusive and globally representative approach to combating misinformation and disinformation. Our Scientific Director, Prof. Dr. Robin Mansell, recently wrote an insightful article that draws attention to this critical issue: the “Western bias” in the evidence base surrounding these threats.

As the World Economic Forum points to disinformation as the top-ranked global risk in its 2025 report, Mansell’s article focuses on how this risk is framed and handled disproportionately from a Global North perspective.

Following our report (Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy) findings, she critiques how policies to combat online misinformation often neglect the unique social, political, and cultural factors in the Global Majority World – where access to the internet and trust in traditional media differ significantly. Mansell also explores the unintended consequences of imposing Global North-driven solutions, such as AI tools and content moderation policies, on the Global Majority World, often leading to deeper inequalities.

Key points from the article

• The Impact of Misinformation in the Global Majority World: While misinformation is recognized as a pressing issue, it is often analyzed through a lens that does not account for the specific socio-political dynamics of countries outside the Global North.

• The Need to Decolonize Research: Mansell argues that policymakers and researchers must resist imposing Western-centric approaches and instead focus on locally tailored solutions that address the realities of information ecosystems in diverse regions.

• The Role of Civil Society: Across the Global Majority World, citizens and civil society organizations are leading efforts to combat harmful disinformation by creating alternative digital platforms and advocating for fairer, more transparent governance of online spaces.

In her article, Mansell calls for an urgent rethinking of the global research landscape and policy frameworks surrounding misinformation. It’s time for more inclusive, locally relevant research that reflects the complexities of information dynamics worldwide.

You can read the full article on the LSE Blog: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/inequalities/2025/03/11/the-western-bias-of-misinformation-and-disinformation-research/ 

At OID, we continue to urge researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to engage in a broader, more equitable conversation about how to fight misinformation and disinformation in ways that respect local contexts and promote genuine democratic values.

Read our report: https://observatory.informationdemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rapport_forum_information_democracy_2025.pdf

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This event at SNSPA was part of a global series designed to disseminate key findings, foster academic and interdisciplinary dialogue, and encourage collaborative research on these pressing issues.

Key Moments from the Event

Opening Remarks and Keynote Address

The event began with a welcome address from Professor Alina Bârgăoanu, Dean of the College of Communication and Public Relations at SNSPA and an advisory board member of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO). She emphasized the urgent need for a collective response to disinformation and its impact on democratic stability, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.

This was followed by a keynote speech from Associate Professor Romina Surugiu, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the University of Bucharest, who highlighted the increasing challenges posed by digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and misinformation in shaping democratic debate. Surugiu underscored the evolving nature of media consumption and the role of independent journalism in countering misinformation.

Presentation of the OID Report

A detailed presentation of the OID’s research was led by:

• Emma Gruden, Policy Officer at the Forum on Information and Democracy, Paris
• Professor Emerita Robin Mansell, Scientific Director of the OID report, London School of Economics
• Associate Professor Flavia Durach, Rapporteur of the OID report and Head of the Department of Digital Communication and Emerging Media at SNSPA

Their discussion centered on the role of AI, media trust, and policy responses to misinformation. Mansell provided a critical analysis of how algorithmic curation affects public discourse, while Durach elaborated on the disparities in how different regions approach media regulation. They also highlighted regional disparities in media regulation and the urgent need for a global governance framework for information integrity.

Discussion Panel: Priorities for Future Research

The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring:

• Eliza Vaș, Coordinator, Studies Unit, European Institute of Romania
• Daniela Munteanu, Societal Resilience Expert, Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre, Bucharest
• Mădălina Boțan, Associate Professor, SNSPA

Moderated by Flavia Durach, the panel delved into key issues of media resilience and governance approaches, highlighting specifically the Romanian context. On addressing most urgent vulnerabilities when it comes to the media, panelists emphasized the urgent need for administrations to engage with citizens beyond just electoral segments, fostering genuine curiosity and research about public sentiment towards governments. 

The discussion highlighted that good governance can cultivate respect and trust between citizens and institutions, particularly in a climate where many feel abandoned and unheard except during campaign periods. Boțan also noted that while disinformation exacerbates existing distrust, it can also create vulnerable opinions and facilitate foreign interference – as seen with the recent 2024 presidential election annulment in Romania due to election manipulation.

On how the information space should be regulated, it was emphasised that regulation without proper political support is useless, even if a common ground is found on how things should be regulated. Panelists also agreed on the need for a combination of top down and bottom up approaches.

The panel discussion further highlighted significant research gaps, especially in understanding the public, their reactions, and information consumption patterns – also often tied with painful historical contexts as in Romania. As pointed out by Daniela Munteanu, Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre, Bucharest and PhD candidate “People don’t have the custom of looking at the information as a product delivered to them, where it comes from and the intent behind. We need to shift our mindset on information.” 

Mansell concluded by stressing the need to focus on communication processes and human interactions rather than solely on information itself to better address these challenges.

Moving Forward

As part of the ongoing global launch of the OID report, SNSPA’s event reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of information ecosystems. The discussions held at SNSPA will contribute to shaping future studies and policy recommendations, ensuring that scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors work together to strengthen democratic resilience in the digital age.

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Key Themes and Discussions

The event centered on the findings of the Observatory on Information and Democracy’s comprehensive report, Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy: A Global Synthesis of the State of Knowledge on News Media, AI and Data Governance. As the venue is one of the leading Media research institutes in Europe, the OID’s presentation focused on the chapter News Media, Information Integrity and the Public Sphere. The event provided an in-depth review of how legacy and online news media are transforming, the motivations behind the production and consumption of accurate versus false information, and potential strategies for fostering healthier information ecosystems.

Event Highlights

Introducing the Observatory and the Final Report

Pier Luigi Parcu (EUI) and Iris Boyer (Head of the Observatory, Forum on Information and Democracy) introduced the Observatory’s mission and its latest report. They highlighted the rigorous research methodology, which involved synthesizing over 3,000 sources and consulting more than 400 stakeholders across academia, civil society, public administration, and industry to collectively address 39 research questions

“The relationship between information ecosystems and democracy is highly complex and bidirectional: information ecosystems impact the democratic crisis and the democratic crisis impact information ecosystems.” – Pier Luigi Parcu, OID steering committee member and Director of the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom

“ Information ecosystems should be treated as complex systems with interdependent components. Just like biodiversity. If we fail to consider and research the interplay of people, practices, values, institutions and technologies when assessing the effect of a changing information ecosystem on democracy, we cannot improve the multi-layered arsenal of research to intervention policy needed to tackle complex issues like disinformation from detection to moderation to inoculation” – Iris Boyer, Head of the OID

Panel 1: News Media and the Public Sphere – The European Case

Chaired by Elda Brogi (EUI), this panel focused on news media consumption, trust, and avoidance patterns within the European Union. Speakers included Robin Mansell (London School of Economics), Marta Cantero (EUI), and Andrea Simoncini (Università di Firenze). They compared European media trends with global findings and discussed the challenges of ensuring media pluralism in an era of increasing news avoidance and distrust. 

“In a way, the focus on disinformation impacts is diverting us from the power imbalance between platforms and the media (and society).” – Andrea Simoncini, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Florence.

Panel 2: Information Integrity – Future Policy Approaches

Moderated by Iva Nenadic (EUI), this panel explored innovative policy strategies to address misinformation, political polarization, and information integrity challenges. Panelists Flavia Durach (National University for Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest) and Paula Gori (European Digital Media Observatory) shared insights on regulatory approaches and resilience-building strategies to enhance trust in media.

“There is a need to have a global discussion on information integrity. With its focus on the global majority and global focus, this report provides the basis for having these discussions – and it shows us where we’re lagging behind.” – Iva Nenadic, Scientific Coordinator of the EUI Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom

Key Takeaways

Some insights from the two panels concerned: 

• Research: 
  • One-sided research designs – research on the effects of mis/disinformation effects based on multiple (traditional) models (hypodermic/inoculation, selective exposure, agenda setting/framing, behavioral economics/cognition).
  • More recent mediation (relational) models focus on audience agency, and context.
  • Different models give different answers on impact of weaponization of information and people’s resilience.
  • Algorithms segregate and personalize, but do not fully explain polarization
  • Similarly to our Berlin event, one thing stood out: the lack of research on actors’ motivations to create mis/disinformation.
• Media and platforms: 
  • Power asymmetries between news media and big tech is visible across regions 
  • News organization dependence on digital platforms varies 
  • We also see changing professional standards and varying success with new revenue models such as subscription models.
• Policy: 
  • Strengthen bargaining power of news organizations.
  • Compensate publishers for content that platforms host.
  • Financially support news media (e.g. tax on digital advertising)
  • Promote the independence of Public Service Media

Looking Ahead

After our visit to Berlin, this event continues the Observatory’s Global Engagement Roadshow, a series of activation events aimed at fostering dialogue and disseminating research findings. With continued collaboration between academic institutions, civil society organizations, and policymakers, the Observatory aims to drive impactful change in the information landscape and strengthen democratic resilience worldwide.

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The role of big tech in shaping our digital spaces and influencing democratic processes has become increasingly evident, with growing concerns over misinformation, hate speech, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few global corporations. Our latest report, Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy, delves into the complexities of this issue, providing insights from over 1,600 research citations and offering a compelling critique of how big tech companies are undermining democracy.

Based on the Observatory on Information and Democracy’s first research cycle’s results, our Scientific Director, Robin Mansell, has written an insightful article on this topic, reflecting on what the power of big tech companies means for democracy.

Big Tech’s Impact on Democracy

Whether it’s Meta’s decision to stop independent fact-checking or Elon Musk’s use of X (formerly Twitter) to promote right-wing ideologies, the market power of US-owned tech giants has been increasingly exploited in ways that challenge the core values of democratic society. While the United Nations has called for an inclusive, open, and human rights centred digital space, big tech continues to profit from exploiting data, often with little regard for the social and political harms.

In the United States, legislative measures to tackle these issues are framed as attacks on innovation, free speech, and competitiveness. Meanwhile, in the UK, the government’s attempts to secure a balance between innovation and citizen protection—such as the new Online Safety Act—highlight the ongoing struggle to address online harms while maintaining economic growth. This tension underscores the difficulty in confronting the real issue: the business models of big tech, which are centred around monetising data for profit, often at the expense of human rights.

The Case for Tackling Big Tech’s Power

The new UK legislation announced in February 2025 to address the use of AI tools in creating harmful child sexual abuse images online is a step in the right direction. However, as our report points out and Mansell reiterates, such piecemeal measures will not address the root causes of harm. Big tech companies have immense financial and political power, and their reluctance to regulate themselves means that any regulatory efforts must be more robust and comprehensive. Instead of focusing solely on technological solutions, we must confront the power asymmetries that allow these companies to thrive unchecked.

What Can Be Done?

To truly counter the negative effects of big tech, we need to shift the conversation from merely managing risks to dismantling the profit-driven incentives that sustain harmful online ecosystems. This means not only enhancing data protection and privacy laws but also actively supporting grassroots movements that resist the concentration of digital power. It is essential to put control back into the hands of individuals, communities, and local governments, and to ensure that big tech companies are held accountable for their impact on society.

Our Information Ecosystems and Troubled Democracy report calls for a fundamental rethinking of how we govern digital spaces, emphasising that cracking down on big tech without addressing its business model will only result in temporary fixes. The long-term solution lies in creating a fairer, more democratic digital ecosystem that prioritises human rights over corporate profit.

You can read the full article on the LSE Blog: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2025/02/11/will-crackdowns-on-big-tech-work/ 

Read our report: https://observatory.informationdemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rapport_forum_information_democracy_2025.pdf 

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