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.
Pioneering transdisciplinary research to explore democracy in the digital age
Our Focus
Upcoming Events
Bologna’s Civic Digital Twin: Democratic Practices for Urban Simulation and Action
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
Bond House, 600 Brandon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA
Brazil Votes: What the First Round Tells Us About the Runoff
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EDT
Online
Data Are Made, Not Found
Friday, October 30, 2026 • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT
Shannon Library, 160 McCormick Rd., Seminar Room 330
Why Jefferson Matters in Our Information Age
Friday, November 13, 2026 • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT
Edgar Shannon Library, 160 McCormick Rd., Seminar Room 330
What AI Means for Work and Democracy
Monday, November 16, 2026 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
The Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA & ONLINE
Research & Programming
Taking Tech Back
AI Impact Atlas
Subterranean Convergence
Open-Source AI as Democratic Infrastructure
AI Shock
Automated Futures
Multimodal Climate AI
Data in the Dark
Automation’s Ecologies
Visual Misinformation
AI & the Environment
Student Technology Council
Technology & Disinformation
Social Contagions
Gender & Tech
Co-Opting AI
Urban Digital Twins
Technology & Democracy Exchange
Data Center Policies
Descendant-Led Digital Humanities Lab & Network
Cryptocurrency & Democracy
Trending
DTD Lab Welcomes New Postdocs & Faculty Affiliate
Meet the Lab
Reimagining AI for Environmental Justice & Creativity Collection of Essays
Learn More & Download
Insights from the Visual Generative AI Propaganda Convening
Learn More & Download
Video Library
FLiNG Report Launch: How Finfluencers, Fin-Tech, and FOMO Shape Young Adults’ Financial Well-being
Cryptocurrency & Democracy
In the News
Online gambling exacerbates domestic and property violence in the outskirts of cities, says researcher
A study conducted in the Território do Bem, in Vitória (ES), shows how debt from gambling affects family relationships and deepens inequalities. David Nemer, DTD Lab faculty co-lead, discusses the effects and consequences of the use of Bets among women from the periphery.
Experts see the TSE’s decision as fundamental in defining the use of deepfakes in elections
A report analyzes the recent decision of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) that rejected the request for a fine against candidate Flávio Bolsonaro for the use of deepfake in his party convention, establishing the legal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in the 2026 elections. DTD Lab research affiliate Yasmin Curzi points out that the judgment brings the first signal from the TSE on the application of the rules, but warns of the risk of insecurity and judicialization due to the subjective interpretation of these criteria.
Pix becomes a channel for violence against women: ‘Misogyny reinvents itself,’ say experts
DTD Lab research affiliate, Yasmin Curzi, argues that the Central Bank should implement mitigation measures to prevent offensive messages from being sent in Pix transactions. Among its proposals, the tracking and blocking of offensive terms to prevent the transmission of intimidating messages stands out.
Join our vibrant lab and help us explore the intersection of digital technology and democracy.
Current Opportunities