PublicSpaces Conference 2026

The sixth edition of the PublicSpaces conference focuses on the impact of technology on our democracy https://conference.publicspaces.net/en Whereas in its early days the internet was seen as a great promise for our democracy – giving everyone a voice and providing unlimited access to information – today it is seen above all as a threat. The digital space is dominated by big tech companies whose primary goal is to maximize profits. The internet increasingly serves as an arena for geopolitical strategies. Non-transparent algorithms and the unrestrained spread of AI-generated fake news cause disinformation and polarization. As a result, a shared reality – with room for democratic values such as freedom of expression, the prohibition of discrimination, and the right to privacy – is no longer a given, and public debate and free elections are under threat. ## Healthy public debate A digital public space is essential for a healthy democratic society. During the sixth edition of the PublicSpaces Conference on Thursday, June 4, Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, in Amsterdam, PublicSpaces and Waag Futurelab will explore how this digital public space can be shaped based on democratic values. This will be done through keynotes by international speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and, of course, the art program. This year, you can follow the program through three different tracks: Digital Autonomy, Public AI, and TheNextSocials (in collaboration with New_ Public). On Thursday June 4th, there will be a pre-conference programme. On Friday June 5th, the conference will take place at Pakhuis de Zwijger https://dezwijger.nl/, and on Saturday June 6th, Waag Futurelab will open its doors for a new edition of Hyperlink.