Call SIDN Fund: Public Values in a Digital Society
Freedom of expression and robust, open public debate are fundamental aspects of a democratic society. However, the increasing digitisation of society threatens the information position of individuals and thus the health of our democracies. The question therefore arises: how can we protect society against such adverse effects of digitisation? Against that background, SIDN Fund and Adessium Foundation are making a joint call for proposals involving the development of alternative technologies, such as strategies and/or tools that reinforce democracy and protect privacy.
Various developments play a role in that context, including the effective distribution of disinformation and the micro-targeting of individuals by political advertisers. Increasingly complex algorithms determine what information we get to see, without us being able to influence the process. Consequently, we increasingly form our opinions in 'echo chambers': communities of like-minded people where our existing views are reinforced, potentially leading to the formation of polarised groups. The health of democracies is further threatened by the undermining of journalism and the public's dependence on platforms for the consumption of news. Thus far, governmental response to such developments has been ineffective at best, and at worst harmful to freedom of expression.
Strengthen the agence of online news consumers
An informed public is one of the main pillars of a healthy democracy. Individuals need to be able to reach informed opinions about relevant societal issues and engage in conversation about them with each other, with politicians and with policy-makers. But how can we control the flow of information reaching us? Public debate and information provision have substantially shifted to digital environments and platforms. Increasingly, the delivery of information in the public sphere is facilitated by commercial platforms whose business models differ fundamentally from those of traditional media. Experience has shown that such models largely fail to ensure a strong and free public sphere. The digital environments that dominate the modern social landscape give rise to various serious challenges involving the trustworthiness of the information we receive, the blurring of the distinction between fact and fiction, and the retention of personal autonomy.
SIDN Fund is therefore calling for proposals for responsible solutions, with a view to reinforcing the information position of individuals within the democratic process. We are encouraging organisations to put forward strategies and/or tools that: strengthen the agency of online news consumers and/or facilitate information provision to individuals.
Submit a proposal?
The window for submitting proposals is already open, and closes at 13:00 Dutch time on 23 September 2019.
SIDN Fund wants to fund ten projects with grants of up to 40,000 euros each.
Do you want more information, looking for examples or do you want to submit a proposal? Please visit the SIDN Fund website.