Research on digital technologies takes place alongside fast-moving debates about how those technologies should be governed. Across the Digital Constitutionalism Network (DCN), members are helping to shape these debates by bringing their research expertise into consultation processes and other forms of engagement with policymakers.
Protecting children in the age of AI: contributing to the French G7 Presidency
Dr. Edoardo Celeste (Law and Tech Research Cluster, Dublin City University), Niamh Lenihan (Centre for Digital Ethics) and Karolin Rippich (Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University) contributed expert advice in response to an international call for scientific contributions on “Protecting Children in the Age of AI”, launched under the French Presidency of the G7. The initiative followed the “Protecting Children in the Age of AI” event held on 18 February in New Delhi, in the margins of the India AI Impact Summit, which brought together representatives from government, civil society, business and research to examine the emerging risks associated with generative AI use by and for children. The call sought scientific evidence and expertise to inform an expert committee examining the risks and vulnerabilities generated by general-public uses of generative AI and to contribute to the development of concrete recommendations. The committee’s conclusions eventually fed into discussions under the French Presidency of the G7, resulting in the “G7 Common Set of Principles defining a safer and more secure digital space for minors”.
Growing Up in the Online World: BILETA response to a national consultation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Likewise, DCN members have contributed to policymaking in the United Kingdom surrounding children’s experiences in digital environments. Along with Felipe Romero-Moreno, Kim Barker, Subhajit Basu and Michaela McDonald, DCN member Karolin Rippich contributed to the British and Irish Law, Education and Technology Association (BILETA) response to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) national consultation, “Growing Up in the Online World.” Drawing upon BILETA’s collective expertise in technology law, digital policy, and education, the submission examines the regulatory and legal frameworks governing children’s engagement with digital environments. The response critically evaluates current approaches to online safety, data protection, and digital literacy, offering evidence-based policy recommendations. Ultimately, it seeks to guide policymakers in balancing robust protective measures for young users with the preservation of their fundamental digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to educational technologies.
Nicola Palladino appointed as a member of the European Commission’s AI Act Advisory Forum
DCN member Nicola Palladino (Internet & Communication Policy Center and the Università degli Studi di Salerno) has been appointed as a member of the European Commission’s AI Act Advisory Foum. The Advisory Forum is an independent expert body established under Article 67 of EU AI Act Regulation 2024/1689, advising the European AI Office and the European Artificial Intelligence Board on the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act. As part of his new role, Nicola has joined the recent kick-off meeting at which the guidelines on transparency obligations and the classification of high-risk AI systems were discussed. You can find further information on Commission expert groups and similar entities here.
