iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

[1/2] Data transparency cannot be a corporate choice Today, MCTD's Hugo Leal and co-author R. Marie Santini presented research on the next stages of the 'data not found' project at Data for Policy 2026.

Hugo Lead (left) and Rose Marie Santini (right) stand next to a slide with the caption "Data transparency cannot be a corporate choice".

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Yesterday, our Executive Director, Gina Neff, joined BBC Newscast to discuss growing concerns about AI models "going rogue". 🎙️ Listen to the clip below or the full episode at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

In the week where technologists and leaders are gathered for the UN #AIforGood Global Summit, we've published a report highlighting the increasing need for humanitarian actors. Read the primer: lnkd.in/eWhRyUB4 Access the full report: lnkd.in/exUVbbAN

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Redefining Digital Sovereignty: Reflections from Paris Our affiliate, Dr Nayana Prakash, returned from VivaTech Paris with a response on digital sovereignty. 👉Read the full response here: www.mctd.ac.uk/redefining-d... Photo credit: xavierferrand.com

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Our Executive Director, Professor Gina Neff, joined BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on the 7th May 2026 to discuss why AI‑native graduates matter and what this means for the future of work. 🎧 Listen to the episode below"

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

🚨 Tomorrow: @ginasue.bsky.social joins an incredible panel with @metecoban92.bsky.social & @thomaslingard.eurosky.social at SXSW London: "AI is scaling and so is the cost. But who’s paying the bill?" 2 June, 11:45–12:30pm 15 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR Sign up: natureandclimate.bellwethersgroup.org

The flyer for the event, white text on red backgrounds. Aside from information repeated in the post, it also explains the speakers' affiliations: Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy; Thomas Lingard, CEO of the Centre for Future Generations; Gina Neff, ED of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; and Sharon Johnson, ED of the host organisation: Bellwethers Group.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social has been appointed Chair of the Wales Strategic AI Council! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The advisory group provides independent advice on the adoption of AI across the Welsh public sector and helps shape AI systems to improve the lives of people across Wales. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/gina-neff-ap...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Our report calls on the Government to protect the UK's literary scene❗️ It urges Government not to implement exceptions to copyright law and instead recommends reinforcing copyright through a dynamic, accessible, and fair licensing market for AI training. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Literary works are being pirated then scraped to train GenAI models. 59% of novelists reported they knew their work had been used to train GenAI models. Of these, 99% said they did not give permission and 100% said they were not remunerated for this use. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Novels contribute substantially to our culture, education, identity, wellbeing, and entertainment. However, with the rise of GenAI, novelists, publishers, and the novel itself are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, change, and challenge. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

"The findings in this report should sound the alarm. The fears novelists have shared with us are not abstract concerns, but real challenges faced by people whose craft sustains British culture and one of its most successful industries." - @ginasue.bsky.social ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

NEW REPORT – The Impact of Generative AI and the Novel 📚 Today we've published new research by @clemicollett.bsky.social examining how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts. Read now: www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...

The impact of generative Ai on the Novel, Dr Clementine Collett. The logos of BRAID, MCTD, the Institute for the Future of Work, the Uni of Cambridge, and UKRI all feature. The image is a curved wall bookcase filled with books.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

How are novelists and publishers experiencing AI’s impacts❓ Join us next week (20 Nov) for the launch of a new report on how GenAI is impacting the publishing industry. Hear from @clemicollett.bsky.social, @katemossewriter.bsky.social, and @alcs.co.uk. Book now ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

UPCOMING 📚 The Impact of GenAI on the Novel Join us for the (online) launch of a new report from Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social @braiduk.bsky.social (in assoc with @ifow.org) on how generative AI is impacting novelists and the publishing industry. Book your spot ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

At the event, Prof Zou spoke to @annkristinglenster.bsky.social, Matt Hervey, and Prof Henning Grosse Ruse-Khan about GenAI's impact on specific areas of law, including non-discrimination, data protection, intellectual property, corporate governance, and criminal law.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

How can the law keep up with tech in the AI era❓ We recently hosted a convo with Prof Mimi Zou of UNSW at @crasshlive.bsky.social to mark the publication of 'The Cambridge Handbook of GenAI and the Law' from @cambridge.org. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/cambridge-ha...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

NEW 📚 Data Protection in Humanitarian Action Our team (Timothy Charlton, Cassie Seo, and Julia Feigen) contributed 2️⃣ chapters to a new anthology from @icrc.org and @unhcr.org exploring data protection as a key enabler of responsible humanitarian action. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/book-data-pr...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Will AI really deliver against the hype❓ @wired.com brought together a group of senior leaders to discuss the future of AI. Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social took part in the debate, w/ @azeem.bsky.social @rory-stewart.bsky.social, exploring the political economy of AI. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-real-mea...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Today is International Day of Sign Languages, a day commemorating the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf and spotlighting the issues Deaf people face in their everyday lives. This year's theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights❗

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️All public bodies deploying BSL AI must publish regular reports on system performance, community impact, and compliance with inclusion obligations.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️Create independent oversight mechanisms for monitoring BSL AI deployment across public services.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️The Government Digital Service, NHS Digital, and other digital transformation bodies must embed sustained Deaf expertise in service design and technology strategies.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️Government must fund a coordinated National BSL Expertise Network capable of supporting procurement oversight across multiple authorities and sectors.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️ Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service must issue updated Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) providing specific guidance for BSL AI commissioning.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️Procurement teams must recognise and quantify the social value generated by Deaf-led infrastructure investment and linguistic inclusion.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️All BSL AI procurement must include Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs) co-designed and conducted with Deaf expertise.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

▪️Develop specialised standards for BSL AI commissioning that treat sign language as a distinct linguistic domain requiring expert oversight.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

NEW REPORT 🚨 BSL is Not for Sale Sign Language AI systems are being rolled out across the UK's public services without proper consultation with Deaf communities❗ ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/bsl-not-for-...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Our latest report looks at the climate impact of data centres in the UK and their potential future trajectories, illustrating how emissions from the AI build-out could outstrip climate gains. Bhargav S Desikan, lead author of the report, comments below💡 www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

5️⃣ The FCDO, with Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero and DSIT, should advocate for harmonised global disclosure standards on AI-related enviro impacts. 🟢 These efforts should be advanced through COP, @iea.org, @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, and with the EU and countries w/ major cloud providers.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

4️⃣ The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should establish community liaison committees for data centre developments, including local residents, planners, and environmental scientists. 🟢 @commonseac.parliament.uk could oversee annual reviews of AI’s environmental footprint.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

3️⃣ Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero, with @thecccuk.bsky.social, should integrate digital infrastructure into the UK’s statutory carbon budgeting process under the Climate Change Act. 🟢 This includes setting AI-specific emissions reduction targets and guidance on aligning with net zero goals.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

2️⃣ Require AI and data centre operators to demonstrate energy efficiency, grid impact assessments, and renewable plans as part of fast-track grid access. 🟢 @ofgem.gov.uk’s system for clearing the grid backlog should include enviro prioritisation criteria for digital infrastructure.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

1️⃣ Mandatory disclosure of energy and water use, and emissions, from companies operating large-scale AI systems or data centres. 🟢 Should be modelled on financial and ESG reporting standards, and co-developed by the Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero, with HM Treasury, DSIT, FRC and @ofgem.gov.uk.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

NEW 🚨🏭 The UK is betting big on AI to deliver growth, but plans to 'turbocharge' AI may put the UK’s climate goals at risk. In a new report, we address the gap that exists in trying to achieve two policy goals: decarbonising the UK and advancing AI infrastructure. ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Read more ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-future-i...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

“We are not facing a crisis of AI. We are facing a crisis of imagination – a failure to envision the full spectrum of possibilities that lie before us and, perhaps more critically, a failure to understand the work required to realize better futures." – Prof @ginasue.bsky.social 💡

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

In her speech, @ginasue.bsky.social argued for a rethink of how we discuss AI, challenging the assumption that the future is automatic. She shared insights on the governing new tech, public participation in decisions about AI, and how we can break free from big tech's vision for our AI future.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social delivered the opening keynote at this year's Kyunghyang Forum in Seoul. She spoke to Korean business leaders and policymakers about the stories we tell about AI, and the disconnect between the confidence of tech companies and the powerlessness felt by everyday people.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

"The future we deserve won’t emerge automatically – it demands active participation, thoughtful governance, and the courage to imagine alternatives." – Prof @ginasue.bsky.social,📍The Kyunghyang Forum, Seoul 🇰🇷

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

We're at @jesuscollegecam.bsky.social today hosting a forum on the impact of #GenAI on the novel. Our @braiduk.bsky.social Fellow Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social has convened authors, publishers, agents, and industry bodies to discuss copyright, creativity, and the value of books in the AI era.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

We were at @royalsociety.org celebrating their new report on disability tech! 🎉 Our Senior Research Associate @louhicky.bsky.social served on the steering committee, providing expertise on accessibility for disabled people and sharing her lived experiences. 👩‍🦼‍➡️👨‍🦽‍➡️🧑‍🦯‍➡️➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/disability-t...

A report titled "Disability Technology: How Data and Digital Assistive Technologies Can Support Independent Fulfilled Lives" resting on a person's lap.

Dr Louise Hickman is indoors at The Royal Society, smiling while holding a copy of the Disability Technology report. She is wearing casual clothing and has a white cane attached to her wheelchair. Two of the room's walls, ceiling, and a chandelier are visible in the background.

Navneet Gidda and Louise Hickman smile at the camera indoors at The Royal Society. Navneet is holding a copy of the Disability Technology report. There is a male bartender in the background behind a table with drinks waiting to serve them to event attendees.

A group of people gathered in a room at The Royal Society, wearing various clothing styles. The setting is the launch of the Disability Technology report, with individuals seated in chairs and standing together as they make their way to their seats. The room features walls and a ceiling, and the crowd includes men and women.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Looking for some weekend reading? Pick up @newstatesman.com for a spotlight on AI governance, with analysis from @ginasue.bsky.social on why the UK could benefit from an AI act. "An AI act would signal that Britain is serious about making AI work for people." ➡️ www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/20...

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

6️⃣ Apps should provide clear information in the app interface on how user data is used to calculate predictions. 💡Co-designing workshops with people from diverse backgrounds could help determine exactly what options need to be included.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

5️⃣ Current tracking app privacy policies are vague and confusing. Apps must share data sharing practices with users in an accessible privacy notice or in the app interface. 💡Apps should be designed with encryption, delete buttons, and data minimisation principles.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

4️⃣ Policymakers should work towards better protection for self-tracking data from period tracking, fertility, and pregnancy tracking apps. 💡 In the US, menstrual tracking data could be afforded similar protection to medical data and, in the UK and EU, existing regulations could be better enforced.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

3️⃣ Apps owned and operated by public health bodies is one way to address questions of data commodification. 💡@ppfa.org have their own version of a cycle tracking app. An @nhs.uk tracking app could engender more trust among users and allow researchers to have input, improving women's health outcomes.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

2️⃣ Opportunities need to be created for teens, young adults, and adults to access info on the risks of sharing menstrual tracking data. 💡Schools are well positioned to educate on how to find reliable health info online, how to do so safely and privately, and the risks of health data being shared.

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Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy @mctd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

1️⃣ More research on reproductive and menstrual health needs to be fostered to decrease reliance on cycle tracking apps and improve health outcomes for women. 💡This could be realised through more funding targeted at reproductive and menstrual health questions or interdisciplinary research.

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