Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

Internet and increased datafication, signify a new era for civic society. Social media, fundraising tools, digital petitions, social media analytics, greatly facilitate the ability to activate, organize and raise public opinion. At the same time, the technology entails algorithmic surveillance and risks of being exposed to threats and hatred. For people at risk, undocumented refugees or people with protected identity, the lack of digital infrastructures also means great difficulties. While research points to these opportunities and risks, there is lack of research on how civic society deals with the increased datafication, and what methods, tools, and strategies are used on the field. The purpose of this workshop is therefore to gather researchers who investigate the impact of digitalization on civil society, both for established NGOs and informal activism.