Publications

Top Keywords

Media concentration 2.0: Regulating platform opinion power in a concentrated digital media ecosystem external link

Seipp, T.
2024

Abstract

This dissertation examines how regulation addresses the evolving challenges of opinion power and media concentration, with platforms becoming increasingly dominant actors in the media. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it explores regulatory strategies aimed at tackling media concentration, focusing on the central research question: How should and could platform opinion power and digital media concentration be regulated in Europe? The research identifies a shift in opinion power from legacy media to platforms across three levels—individual citizens, institutional newsrooms, and the broader media ecosystem—each impacted by platforms' economic, technological, and political power. Based on a thorough normative assessment of the constitutional foundations of media concentration laws, the dissertation analyses the legal challenges related to such power shifts in the media. At the individual level, platforms' algorithmic control over content raises concerns about autonomy, privacy, and freedom of expression. At the institutional level, platforms’ influence within news organisations—particularly through the provision of technologies and digital infrastructure—affects editorial independence and the economic sustainability of journalism. Finally, at the ecosystem level, platforms exert systemic opinion power, enabling the creation of dependencies and influence over other democratic actors. This poses significant risks to media pluralism and the democratic distribution power. The dissertation finds that traditional media concentration laws inadequately address these shifts. While the new EU regulatory framework offers valuable provisions in filling these gaps, it falls short of addressing the root causes of digital media concentration. The dissertation calls for a rethinking of regulatory strategies to better align with public interest values, media pluralism, and the evolving role of platforms in the digital landscape, providing insights for future policy development.

media concentration, Media law, platform regulation

Bibtex

PhD Thesis{nokey, title = {Media concentration 2.0: Regulating platform opinion power in a concentrated digital media ecosystem}, author = {Seipp, T.}, url = {https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/205784222/Thesis.pdf}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-12-20}, abstract = {This dissertation examines how regulation addresses the evolving challenges of opinion power and media concentration, with platforms becoming increasingly dominant actors in the media. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it explores regulatory strategies aimed at tackling media concentration, focusing on the central research question: How should and could platform opinion power and digital media concentration be regulated in Europe? The research identifies a shift in opinion power from legacy media to platforms across three levels—individual citizens, institutional newsrooms, and the broader media ecosystem—each impacted by platforms\' economic, technological, and political power. Based on a thorough normative assessment of the constitutional foundations of media concentration laws, the dissertation analyses the legal challenges related to such power shifts in the media. At the individual level, platforms\' algorithmic control over content raises concerns about autonomy, privacy, and freedom of expression. At the institutional level, platforms’ influence within news organisations—particularly through the provision of technologies and digital infrastructure—affects editorial independence and the economic sustainability of journalism. Finally, at the ecosystem level, platforms exert systemic opinion power, enabling the creation of dependencies and influence over other democratic actors. This poses significant risks to media pluralism and the democratic distribution power. The dissertation finds that traditional media concentration laws inadequately address these shifts. While the new EU regulatory framework offers valuable provisions in filling these gaps, it falls short of addressing the root causes of digital media concentration. The dissertation calls for a rethinking of regulatory strategies to better align with public interest values, media pluralism, and the evolving role of platforms in the digital landscape, providing insights for future policy development.}, keywords = {media concentration, Media law, platform regulation}, }

Digital piracy in times of Covid-19

Mazzei, J., Martinelli, A., Nuvolari, A. & Poort, J.
Journal of Cultural Economics, 2025

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the consumption patterns of cultural goods. Using novel data from a consumer survey conducted in January 2022 across 14 countries, we address two key issues. First, we provide a descriptive analysis of changes in the consumption of four cultural goods—music, films and series, games, and books—focusing on shifts between legal and illegal consumption. Second, we reassess the relationship between digital piracy and legal sales, with a particular emphasis on age differences. Our findings reveal that among those who engaged in illegal consumption during the pandemic, 6–8% were new pirates, primarily individuals who experienced income reductions and increased time at home due to the shift to remote work or schooling. Among adults, these disruptions were linked to a decline in legal sales of music and games. In contrast, the displacement of legal audiovisual consumption was observed only among adults who continued working in person. Minors displayed different patterns: for them, illegal consumption was negatively associated with legal book consumption but positively linked to legal audiovisual consumption.

piracy

Bibtex

Article{ditpir, title = {Digital piracy in times of Covid-19}, author = {Mazzei, J. and Martinelli, A. and Nuvolari, A. and Poort, J.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10824-025-09538-0}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-08}, journal = {Journal of Cultural Economics}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the consumption patterns of cultural goods. Using novel data from a consumer survey conducted in January 2022 across 14 countries, we address two key issues. First, we provide a descriptive analysis of changes in the consumption of four cultural goods—music, films and series, games, and books—focusing on shifts between legal and illegal consumption. Second, we reassess the relationship between digital piracy and legal sales, with a particular emphasis on age differences. Our findings reveal that among those who engaged in illegal consumption during the pandemic, 6–8% were new pirates, primarily individuals who experienced income reductions and increased time at home due to the shift to remote work or schooling. Among adults, these disruptions were linked to a decline in legal sales of music and games. In contrast, the displacement of legal audiovisual consumption was observed only among adults who continued working in person. Minors displayed different patterns: for them, illegal consumption was negatively associated with legal book consumption but positively linked to legal audiovisual consumption.}, keywords = {piracy}, }

Copyright’s critical mess: music metadata external link

Valk, E.G.
Kluwer Copyright Blog, 2025

Copyright, metadata, music

Bibtex

Online publication{nokey, title = {Copyright’s critical mess: music metadata}, author = {Valk, E.G.}, url = {https://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2025/03/13/copyrights-critical-mess-music-metadata/}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-13}, journal = {Kluwer Copyright Blog}, keywords = {Copyright, metadata, music}, }

Annotatie bij Landgericht Hamburg 27 september 2024 (Kneschke / LAION) download

Hugenholtz, P.
Auteursrecht, iss. : 1, num: 2, pp: 34-36, 2025

Abstract

Eerste vonnis in Europa over de TDM-beperkingen in art. 3 en 4 DSM-richtlijn. Het downloaden door LAION van een op een website aangetroffen foto voor het samenstellen van een dataset die gebruikt kan worden voor AItrainingsdoeleinden is op grond van (de Duitse implementatie van) art. 3 DSM-Rl toegestaan, omdat LAION als onderzoeksinstelling zonder winstoogmerk kwalificeert en het downloaden ertoe dient om de gegevens in de dataset te verifiëren. Daarbij is aan de driestappentoets voldaan. In obiter dictum overweegt het Landgericht dat een voorbehoud als bedoeld in art. 4 lid 3 DSM-Rl door een licentiehouder rechtsgeldig kan worden gemaakt, en dat – afhankelijk van de stand van de techniek – een in natuurlijke taal gestelde gebruiksbeperking op een site als een “machine-leesbaar” voorbehoud zou kunnen gelden.

Case notes

Bibtex

Case note{nokey, title = {Annotatie bij Landgericht Hamburg 27 september 2024 (Kneschke / LAION)}, author = {Hugenholtz, P.}, url = {https://www.ivir.nl/publications/annotatie-bij-landgericht-hamburg-27-september-2024-kneschke-laion/annotatie_auteursrecht_2025_1/}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-13}, journal = {Auteursrecht}, issue = {1}, number = {2}, abstract = {Eerste vonnis in Europa over de TDM-beperkingen in art. 3 en 4 DSM-richtlijn. Het downloaden door LAION van een op een website aangetroffen foto voor het samenstellen van een dataset die gebruikt kan worden voor AItrainingsdoeleinden is op grond van (de Duitse implementatie van) art. 3 DSM-Rl toegestaan, omdat LAION als onderzoeksinstelling zonder winstoogmerk kwalificeert en het downloaden ertoe dient om de gegevens in de dataset te verifiëren. Daarbij is aan de driestappentoets voldaan. In obiter dictum overweegt het Landgericht dat een voorbehoud als bedoeld in art. 4 lid 3 DSM-Rl door een licentiehouder rechtsgeldig kan worden gemaakt, en dat – afhankelijk van de stand van de techniek – een in natuurlijke taal gestelde gebruiksbeperking op een site als een “machine-leesbaar” voorbehoud zou kunnen gelden.}, keywords = {Case notes}, }

Annotatie bij Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie 4 oktober 2024 (ND / DR) download

Dommering, E.
Nederlandse Jurisprudentie, iss. : 7, num: 60, pp: 967-969, 2025

Case notes

Bibtex

Case note{nokey, title = {Annotatie bij Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie 4 oktober 2024 (ND / DR)}, author = {Dommering, E.}, url = {https://www.ivir.nl/publications/annotatie-bij-hof-van-justitie-van-de-europese-unie-4-oktober-2024-nd-dr/nj-2025-60/}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-13}, journal = {Nederlandse Jurisprudentie}, issue = {7}, number = {60}, keywords = {Case notes}, }

Annotatie bij Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie 4 juli 2023 (Meta Platforms / Bundeskartellamt) download

Dommering, E.
Nederlandse Jurisprudentie, iss. : 7, num: 59, pp: 951-955, 2025

Case notes

Bibtex

Case note{nokey, title = {Annotatie bij Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie 4 juli 2023 (Meta Platforms / Bundeskartellamt)}, author = {Dommering, E.}, url = {https://www.ivir.nl/publications/annotatie-bij-hof-van-justitie-van-de-europese-unie-4-juli-2023-meta-platforms-bundeskartellamt/nj-2025-59/}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-13}, journal = {Nederlandse Jurisprudentie}, issue = {7}, number = {59}, keywords = {Case notes}, }

The rise of technology courts, or: How technology companies re-invent adjudication for a digital world

Helberger, N.
Computer Law & Security Review, vol. 56, num: 106118, 2025

Abstract

The article “The Rise of Technology Courts” explores the evolving role of courts in the digital world, where technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming traditional adjudication processes. It argues that traditional courts are undergoing a significant transition due to digitization and the increasing influence of technology companies. The paper frames this transformation through the concept of the “sphere of the digital,” which explains how digital technology and AI redefine societal expectations of what courts should be and how they function. The article highlights that technology is not only changing the materiality of courts—moving from physical buildings to digital portals—but also affecting their symbolic function as public institutions. It discusses the emergence of AI-powered judicial services, online dispute resolution (ODR), and technology-driven alternative adjudication bodies like the Meta Oversight Board. These developments challenge the traditional notions of judicial authority, jurisdiction, and legal expertise. The paper concludes that while these technology-driven solutions offer increased efficiency and accessibility, they also raise fundamental questions about the legitimacy, transparency, and independence of adjudicatory bodies. As technology companies continue to shape digital justice, the article also argues that there are lessons to learn for the role and structure of traditional courts to ensure that human rights and public values are upheld.

ai, big tech, digital transformation, digitisation, justice, values

Bibtex

Article{nokey, title = {The rise of technology courts, or: How technology companies re-invent adjudication for a digital world}, author = {Helberger, N.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2025.106118}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-03-05}, journal = {Computer Law & Security Review}, volume = {56}, number = {106118}, pages = {}, abstract = {The article “The Rise of Technology Courts” explores the evolving role of courts in the digital world, where technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming traditional adjudication processes. It argues that traditional courts are undergoing a significant transition due to digitization and the increasing influence of technology companies. The paper frames this transformation through the concept of the “sphere of the digital,” which explains how digital technology and AI redefine societal expectations of what courts should be and how they function. The article highlights that technology is not only changing the materiality of courts—moving from physical buildings to digital portals—but also affecting their symbolic function as public institutions. It discusses the emergence of AI-powered judicial services, online dispute resolution (ODR), and technology-driven alternative adjudication bodies like the Meta Oversight Board. These developments challenge the traditional notions of judicial authority, jurisdiction, and legal expertise. The paper concludes that while these technology-driven solutions offer increased efficiency and accessibility, they also raise fundamental questions about the legitimacy, transparency, and independence of adjudicatory bodies. As technology companies continue to shape digital justice, the article also argues that there are lessons to learn for the role and structure of traditional courts to ensure that human rights and public values are upheld.}, keywords = {ai, big tech, digital transformation, digitisation, justice, values}, }

Designing algorithms against corruption: a conjoint study on communicative features to encourage intentions for collective action external link

Starke, C., Kieslich, K., Reichert, M. & Köbis, N.
Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 2025

Abstract

Algorithmic tools are increasingly used to automate corruption reporting on social media platforms. Based on the use case of an existing bot, this study investigates how to design the communication of a bot to effectively and responsibly mobilize people for collective action against corruption. In a pre-registered choice-based conjoint survey (n = 1,331), we test six message design features: type of injustice, degree of injustice, anger, political partisanship, gender, and efficacy cues. Our results show that calling out cases of severe corruption increased people’s intention to engage in collective action against corruption. We find no empirical support for in-group favoritism based on political affiliation and gender. Yet, some commonly used design features can have contrasting effects on different audiences. We call for more social science research accompanying the technical development of algorithmic tools to fight corruption.

Bibtex

Article{nokey, title = {Designing algorithms against corruption: a conjoint study on communicative features to encourage intentions for collective action}, author = {Starke, C. and Kieslich, K. and Reichert, M. and Köbis, N.}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19331681.2025.2465326}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/19331681.2025.2465326}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-02-26}, journal = {Journal of Information Technology & Politics}, abstract = {Algorithmic tools are increasingly used to automate corruption reporting on social media platforms. Based on the use case of an existing bot, this study investigates how to design the communication of a bot to effectively and responsibly mobilize people for collective action against corruption. In a pre-registered choice-based conjoint survey (n = 1,331), we test six message design features: type of injustice, degree of injustice, anger, political partisanship, gender, and efficacy cues. Our results show that calling out cases of severe corruption increased people’s intention to engage in collective action against corruption. We find no empirical support for in-group favoritism based on political affiliation and gender. Yet, some commonly used design features can have contrasting effects on different audiences. We call for more social science research accompanying the technical development of algorithmic tools to fight corruption.}, }

The concept of “research organisation” and its implications for text and data mining and AI research external link

Quintais, J.
2025

Abstract

The concept of a “research organization” has significant implications across various domains of EU information law, including copyright, artificial intelligence (AI), and even platform regulation. Defined in the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive (CDSMD), this concept plays a crucial role in determining the legal obligations and rights of entities engaging in activities such as text and data mining (TDM) and AI research, or data access for research purposes. By examining how this definition interacts with legislative frameworks like the CDSMD and the AI Act, this short contribution examines its critical role in EU digital regulation of research and highlights areas of legal uncertainty.

Bibtex

Online publication{nokey, title = {The concept of “research organisation” and its implications for text and data mining and AI research}, author = {Quintais, J.}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5155685}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5155685}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-02-26}, abstract = {The concept of a “research organization” has significant implications across various domains of EU information law, including copyright, artificial intelligence (AI), and even platform regulation. Defined in the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive (CDSMD), this concept plays a crucial role in determining the legal obligations and rights of entities engaging in activities such as text and data mining (TDM) and AI research, or data access for research purposes. By examining how this definition interacts with legislative frameworks like the CDSMD and the AI Act, this short contribution examines its critical role in EU digital regulation of research and highlights areas of legal uncertainty.}, }

Co-creating research at The AI, media, and democracy lab: Reflections on the role of academia in collaborations with media partners external link

Cools, H., Helberger, N. & Vreese, C.H. de
Journalism, 2025

Abstract

This commentary explores academia’s role in co-creating research with media partners, focusing on the distinct roles and challenges that each stakeholder brings to such partnerships. Starting from the perspective of the AI, Media, and Democracy Lab, and building on the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects (ELSA) approach, we share key learnings from 3 years of collaborations with (media) partners. We conclude that navigating dual roles, expectations, output alignment, and a process of knowledge sharing are important requirements for academics and (media) partners to adequately co-create research and insights. We also argue that these key lessons do not always square with how academic research is organized and funded. We underscore that changes in funding structures and the way academic research is assessed can further facilitate the co-creation of research between academic research and projects in the media sector.

Bibtex

Article{nokey, title = {Co-creating research at The AI, media, and democracy lab: Reflections on the role of academia in collaborations with media partners}, author = {Cools, H. and Helberger, N. and Vreese, C.H. de}, url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14648849251318622}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1177/14648849251318622}, year = {2025}, date = {2025-02-04}, journal = {Journalism}, abstract = {This commentary explores academia’s role in co-creating research with media partners, focusing on the distinct roles and challenges that each stakeholder brings to such partnerships. Starting from the perspective of the AI, Media, and Democracy Lab, and building on the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects (ELSA) approach, we share key learnings from 3 years of collaborations with (media) partners. We conclude that navigating dual roles, expectations, output alignment, and a process of knowledge sharing are important requirements for academics and (media) partners to adequately co-create research and insights. We also argue that these key lessons do not always square with how academic research is organized and funded. We underscore that changes in funding structures and the way academic research is assessed can further facilitate the co-creation of research between academic research and projects in the media sector.}, }