Internet and Politics in the AI era: digital technologies and their impact on norms, rights and political processes

The internet and digital technologies impact on individual attitudes and behaviour which further influence organisational and institutional processes at national and international level. In addition, the development of AI comprising a variety of new technologies (i.e., machine learning recommender algorithms, deep learning translation algorithms, large language models) raises new research questions about their positive or negative influence on politics. These include the potential for misinformation, disinformation, polarization or cybersecurity concerns. This section examines how key actors – voters, political parties, civil society and digital activists, influencers, states, international organizations and the private sector – understand internet freedoms, use the political benefits of digital technologies and respond to the risks they generate. The practices and institutions enabling the functioning of the internet as a global “network of networks” grew increasingly complex and politicized. This demands greater involvement of stakeholders, such as corporations and civil society, alongside state institutions, in debates and decision-making related to preserving the open internet. The conventional multistakeholder model of internet governance is now threatened by ubiquitous algorithmic shaping, pervasive online surveillance, and increasing global fragmentation. National powers have been reasserting their control over the normative meaning of a “free internet”, but also over the limits of this freedom. Yet, there continues to be active contestation regarding which subnorms actually constitute internet freedom and the hierarchies and linkages between them. Regulatory debates have focused on online expression, privacy, anonymity, security, digital and human rights, and digital sovereignty. The risks generated by digital technologies and infrastructures are now at the fore of the debate. This section seeks to advance our theoretical understanding of the complex relationship between networked technologies, AI and politics. Additionally, through systematic empirical inquiry, we seek to uncover patterns across civic, private and political actors' responses to new digital technologies. We welcome theoretical and empirical contributions from an interdisciplinary perspective: political theory, communication studies, international relations, comparative politics including political behaviour and public policy. We also encourage contributions from young researchers. Panel 1. Tech Governance and Digital Policy Development Chair: Anna Longhini, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca (anna.longhi@ubbcluj.ro) and Gabriela Borz, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (gabriela.borz@strath.ac.uk) Technology, from internet connectivity to AI, creates opportunities and risks and demands effective regulation. This panel examines the global trends shaping digital policy-making and the actors competing for influence and leadership in tech regulation. We invite contributions across policy areas, exploring the key players governing technological advancements and governance globally, policy diffusion in digital policy making, and the role of AI in policy development. Panel 2. States and International Organisations in global norm contestation about internet freedom Chair: Tetyana Lokot, Dublin City University (Tanya.Lokot@dcu.ie) This panel examines the role of states and international institutions in internet freedom norm contestation. It reflects on the ways in which states instrumentalise debates about internet freedom and digital sovereignty and use them to further geopolitical goals, while shaping global understandings of internet freedom and how it is institutionalized through governmental bodies, such as the UN. Panel 3. The Private Sector in global norm contestation about internet freedom Chair: Mariëlle Wijermars, Maastricht University (m.wijermars@maastrichtuniversity.nl) This panel focuses on the role of private actors, such as global platforms, in shaping internet freedom norms in the context of profit-driven aims and neoliberal values. Corporations wield considerable power in determining perceptions of their own role in guarding – or circumscribing – internet freedom. The panel especially encourages contributions on how corporate discourses, platform practices and technological infrastructures affect societies in the Global South. Panel 4. Civil Society and Digital Rights in global norm contestation about internet freedom Chair: Dennis Redeker, ZeMKI, University of Bremen (redeker@uni-bremen.de) This panel discusses the impact of civil society actors in shaping normative debates on internet freedom and the issue of representation: which advocacy groups can exert influence at national, regional and global levels? It also highlights the dynamics of creating civil society coalitions in order to increase global issue visibility and enhance coordination and knowledge sharing, as well as the emerging importance of non-Western voices. Panel 5. Integrity and Accountability in Digital Participatory Processes Chair: F. Ramon Villaplana, University of Valencia; (rvillaplana@um.es) and Oscar Barberà, University of Valencia ( o.barbera@uv.es) Digital participatory processes (e.g., e-voting, decision-making, app-based deliberation) have expanded citizens’ opportunities for democratic engagement, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. This panel invites contributions examining the roles of institutions and political actors, particularly political parties, in shaping digital participatory spaces. It explores how diverse accountability measures influence public trust, fair participation, and their impact on policy outcomes. Panel 6. Party Digital Democratic Innovations Chair: Marco Meloni, University of Southampton (m.meloni@soton.ac.uk) and Valeria Tarditi, University of Calabria (valeria.tarditi@unical.it) Discussant: Fabio G. Lupato, University Complutense of Madrid (fglupato@ucm.es) Digital democratic innovations (DDIs) are transforming how citizens engage with political processes and institutions. Moving beyond conceptualisations or motivations behind implementing DDIs, this panel examines the impact of DDIs across different settings and actors, particularly within the agenda-setting and policy-formulation stages. We welcome contributions exploring DDI impact on political attitudes, modes of participation or power dynamics. Panel 7. Digital Political Communication and its Effects Chair: Jasmin, Fitzpatrick, University of Mainz, (fitzpatrick@politik.uni-mainz.de) and Ruben kremers@politik.uni-mainz.de How is digital communication shaping political attitudes? What is the difference between digital and traditional media, or the intervening role of AI in these processes? This panel invites papers exploring the impact of digital communication, online media consumption and on-line engagement on political trust, efficacy and attitudes towards democracy. Panel 8. Digital Technologies and Elections Chair: Felix Von Nostitz, Lille Catholic University (felix.vonnostitz@univ-catholille.fr) Recent elections across the globe mark a critical moment for understanding digitalization’s impact on democratic engagement across countries. This panel invites papers on digital political campaigning, political mobilization and voter engagement. We are interested in the effects of digital tools on campaign strategies, content and voter behaviour. Panel 9. Fresh Perspectives – Digital Politics for Early Career Researchers Chair: Marco Guglielmo, University of Valencia (marco2.guglielmo@uv.es) Research on digital technologies’ benefits or risks for democratic development stems from an interdisciplinary and fast-growing research community. This panel provides exclusive slots for early-stage researchers for presentation and feedback from experienced researchers. The panel seeks theoretical papers as well as theory-driven empirical research which engage with the Section’s theme. Additional Section co-chair: F. Ramon Villaplana, University of Valencia