Pioneering transdisciplinary research to explore democracy in the digital age
Our Focus
The Digital Technology for Democracy Lab is a collaboration across the University of Virginia that explores how rapidly evolving digital technologies can challenge, but might also fortify, democratic institutions and practices.
Upcoming Events
An Evening with Karen Hao
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • 6:30 PM EDT
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
DTD Lab Postdoctoral Fellow Information Session
Friday, October 24, 2025 • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Online
Ancestral Clouds, Ancestral Claims: A Film Screening and Q&A
Friday, November 7, 2025 • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
Irving Theater at the CODE Building, 225 West Water Street
DTD Lab Postdoctoral Fellow Information Session
Friday, November 14, 2025 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Online
Research & Programming
Data in the Dark
Visual Misinformation
AI & the Environment
Student Technology Council
Technology & Disinformation
Social Contagions
Gender and Tech
Co-Opting AI
Urban Digital Twins
Technology & Democracy Exchange
Data Center Policies
Descendant-Led Digital Humanities Lab & Network
Cryptocurrency & Democracy
Trending
Reimagining AI for Environmental Justice & Creativity Collection of Essays
Learn More & Download
Insights from the Visual Generative AI Propaganda Convening
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Video Library
In the News
New Article Published in AI & Society
A new article from DTD Lab faculty co-lead, David Nemer, and DTD Lab postdoctoral research fellow, Andre Sobral, interrogates the widespread narrative of AI as autonomous, intelligent, and self-sufficient, and instead centers on the largely invisible human labor that sustains these systems.
New Piece in Dialogues on Digital Society
DTD faculty co-lead Jess Reia, has written a new piece in the journal Dialogues on Digital Society examining the use of surveillance technologies and the influence of foreign and local tech companies in shaping urban governance through opaque, corporate-led policymaking.
AI and Democratic Values Report
Maria Lungu, DTD Lab postdoctoral research fellow, has contributed to the CAIDP AI and Democratic Values Index 2025. With delegates gathered in New York City from around the world for the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations, the Center for AI and Digital Policy calls attention to the CAIDP "AI and Democratic Values" report, a comprehensive review of AI policies and practices worldwide.
Join our vibrant lab and help us explore the intersection of digital technology and democracy.
Current Opportunities