Miranda Kajtazi, Associate professor in informatics, is co-leading the current Pufendorf theme DigiJustice along with Professor in human rights studies Lena Halldenius. The Department of Informatics is also represented by Associate professor and theme member Osama Mansour.
The following text introduces the theme on the Pufendorf website:
The past century has witnessed technological advancements ranging from heavy machinery to computers to AI and Internet of Things. These developments have brought innovation to humanity, but also created new threats to human rights. This Theme will challenge technological determinism and the digital imperative and explore how human rights and social justice need to be rethought to address new vulnerabilities in the digital age.
The theme runs from September 2024 to June 2025. Having completed its first half, we asked Osama and Miranda a few questions about their experiences so far.
What role does the Department of Informatics play in reducing digital inequalities?
“As a field, Informatics or Information Systems is best positioned to address issues related to digitalisation such as digital justice. We are fortunate to have the intellectual openness to question long-standing deterministic views about technology especially now at the age of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Our critical approach to understanding digitalisation can help us make unique contributions to the field and open new research venues that aim at embracing the diversity of digital contexts.“
What are some specific digital inequalities you have addressed so far through this theme?
“We talk about the application of technology and specially AI in all kinds of social settings. There are no specific inequalities we discuss I think but we have a broad approach looking at different contexts and various applications of technology. In principle, we are a group with critical perspectives that challenge solutionism and digital imperatives.“
On Thursdays, what part of the day do you most look forward to when you arrive at the Pufendorf Institute?
“I think the discussions we have as an interdisciplinary group are fascinating. These discussions have been eye opening for me. I have colleagues from different disciplines within the group and we organize for each one of us to lead one of the Thursdays on specific themes. The interdisciplinary of the group becomes so salient and also relevant during these discussions as I could relate directly to what is being said, and also recognize its importance for my work. This is a real curious part of the day.“
Any other thoughts?
“A final general note to add: I believe that it is not healthy to assume that using technology is aimed at transforming people’s lives. A critical understanding of technology and digitalisation in general can help us to better understand technology by recognizing that technology widen the gaps and divides in society resulting in various forms of inequalities.“
What has the team accomplished during the theme’s first months?
“Our Autumn semester now coming to an end, brought us into deep discussions on rethinking Digital Inequalities and Human Rights in the Age of AI. We realize that not only is this one of the most challenging task for the world today, but its multifaceted nature of these issues makes it difficult to disassamble them and reassemble them into a cohesive understanding. As the world advances at an accelerated pace in technological development, the questions of why and how of this progression remain open. At the Pufendorf Institute our conversations go across these multifaceted dimensions, ranging from the perspective of human rights law and technological design to societal movements, and consequences.
Through these discussions, it became increasingly clear that technology often functions as the driving force, showing the pace and direction of progress, while other aspects of society struggle to keep up. In this light, we are critical towards this unsettling realization that technology, especially in the likes of AI, frequently assumes the role of a societal controller - one to which we must adapt and respond, often not the other way around. Our explorations put to quest the urgency of addressing these dynamics and advocating for a balanced and inclusive approach in this rapidly digitally evolving age.“
How has the interdisciplinary approach contributed to the theme so far? What role does Informatics have in this approach?
“With an interdisciplinary nature within our group, we realize that overlooking critical nuances that shape our understanding of digital inequalities in the age of AI is not an option. For us, it has become known that the core issue is not merely the pervasive digitalization that has infiltrated every aspect of modern life. But rather, it lies in the tension between its ultra-refined values, such as through AI - those ideals and opportunities it promises – and the antagonistic anti-values AI simultaneously accelerates, which are becoming increasingly evident in today's world filled with digital inequalities.“
On Thursdays, what part of the day do you most look forward to when you arrive at the Pufendorf Institute?
“Our mornings are filled by engaging presentations from our group members, fellows, and external researchers, where we offer a wide range of insights and perspectives. What I find most rewarding are the afternoons, where we dive into thought-provoking discussions that build upon the morning sessions.
Our Thursdays are also filled with delightful site visits, such as exploring the Robotics Lab at LUX to meet Lund's famous robot and the many personalities of Epi. We’ve also enjoyed museum exhibitions in Copenhagen, like Poetics of Encryption: Art and Artificial Intelligence and Against All Odds – Historical Women and New Algorithms, each offering unique reflections on art, history, and AI. Adding to the experience are the contributions of our three visiting fellows, followed with fine lunches, warm and cozy dinners that make the project not only intellectually stimulating but also quite enjoyable.“
Any other thoughts?
“Being part of this incredible network at the Pufendorf Institute for the second year in a row has been my most rewarding research experience so far. This experience has been made even more special by the warm and welcoming colleagues, especially when I’m occasionally bringing a baby on my hip while the thought-provoking discussions in the afternoons are at their best! 😊
To conclude, the Christmas parties at the Pufendorf Institute have been beautiful, a perfect festive tone for two years in a row!“
