Dicopo
The question raised by digital technologies are primarily constitutional. The protection of rights and freedoms are increasingly under pressure coming from a mix of public and private interferences. At the same time, the role of technology in empowering public authorities and transnational corporations is changing the traditional way in which individual experience their rights in a democracy. The development of artificial intelligence technologies, cybersecurity risks or even the spread of disinformation on social media are only some examples of the constitutional questions raised by the digital age. Digital technologies intimately touch upon the core of fundamental rights and freedoms while leading to new dynamics of power in the digital age. For this reason, we are pleased to introduce Digital Constitutionalism and Policy (DICOPO), a group of scholars, policy-makers and business experts at the forefront of understanding and shape the future of digital governance. The rapid development of technology and policy calls for a deep exploration of the complex intersections between constitutionalism and digital technologies. At the heart of this group lies a deep commitment to examine how rights and powers are changing in the digital age and how policy should approach to this transformation. By fostering interdisciplinary research, rigorous analysis, and engaging in robust policy debates, DICOPO aims to provide meaningful insights and actionable recommendations to different stakeholders. It brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital revolution, such as privacy, freedom of expression, algorithmic accountability, cybersecurity, and equitable access to technology.
Our aims
Our aims
1
Examining the protection of fundamental rights and the exercise of powers in the digital age
2
Strengthening legal frameworks and policy for digital governance and constitutional protection
3
Improving the awareness of digital constitutionalism among policy-makers, business sector, and society
4
Fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to address global challenges in digital governance
"With the rapid development of new legislative initiatives aimed at regulating the digital space at national, EU and international level, fundamental rights are the Ariadne’s thread that ensure clarity of goals, consistency across rules, and a firm anchorage to democratic values."
Paolo Cesarini - Vice-President
"With the rapid development of new legislative initiatives aimed at regulating the digital space at national, EU and international level, fundamental rights are the Ariadne’s thread that ensure clarity of goals, consistency across rules, and a firm anchorage to democratic values."
Paolo Cesarini - Vice-President
Activities
DICOPO will be based on three main pillars:
Research
The group will lead research activities which delves into the legal and constitutional implications of emerging technologies, examining how they interact with established legal frameworks and proposing policy solutions. Research will include issues of digital policy across different policy areas including, for instance, data, cyber, content and infrastructures. The research expertise of this group will also extend to other areas of policy and the intersection with other fields such as computer science.
Policy
The group will engage in policy activities. Its connection with policy-makers will allow to translate research activities and expertise in concrete policy solutions reflecting the new system of rights and powers characterising the digital age. The group will provide effective recommendations, expert guidance, and best practices to inform policy decisions and aims to become a point of reference for stakeholders’ conversations, particularly looking at processes of co-regulation.
Education
The group will also lead educational activities and organise events such as workshops, seminars, and training programs. These activities aim to disseminate the knowledge and outcomes which help to navigate the complex legal and policy landscape of the digital age. By fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing with different stakeholders and society, the group expands the impact of its research and policy activities, particularly to underline the new approaches to rights and freedoms characterising the digital age.