Major challenges commonly associated with digital technology, such as misinformation, hate speech, and political polarization, are widely perceived to require policy interventions. However, consensus on the nature and severity of these issues, and thus the appropriate actions, is lacking. This disagreement is typical in politics, where problem definitions and solutions are often contested. Yet, in the realm of digital technology, this debate is particularly intense. Policymakers frequently struggle to grasp the complexities of these issues, and the definition of problems is highly politicized, a situation exacerbated by digital technology itself. The talk will explore these issues with a focus on artificial intelligence.

Fabrizio Gilardi studied political science (1994-1997) and European integration (1997-1999) at the University of Geneva. In 2004 he received the doctoral degree in political science at the University of Lausanne, where he was first teaching assistant (1999-2004) and then lecturer (2004-2007). In 2007-2008 he was visiting scholar at Harvard University, and since August 2008 he has been professor of public policy at the University of Zurich