Are you interested in timely social and political issues, such as the expansion of surveillance technologies in various sectors? What is the impact of the expansion of surveillance technologies on our privacy? What does it mean to be a ‘digital citizen’? Would you like to explore these questions? This innovative master specialisation offers you the opportunity to do so, in a truly international classroom within one of Europe’s most diverse and multicultural cities.
While digitalisation brings many opportunities, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media platforms involve an unprecedented collection of personal information, raising global challenges about privacy and security. Social media monitoring can sway elections, spark civil strife and serve to predict expected social patterns and behaviour. Algorithms determine who gets to see which online information and advertisements, but also who is considered a public threat.
Also in everyday life, useful apps and devices may induce surveillance. Easy access to messaging and surveillance cameras compel neighbours to report on anything deemed suspicious in their neighbourhood. Location tracking of family and friends has become common practice in ways perceived as both caring and controlling. Health and lifestyle apps provide insights about one’s well-being, while provoking their own privacy and ethical concerns. These are all subjects you will cover during your time as a student Digitalisation, Surveillance & Societies.
Five reasons to study Digitalisation, Surveillance & Societies at the EUR
- You will receive instruction on this timely topic from an enthusiastic team of specialised experts who actively support you and who provide intensive and individual coaching;
- using state-of-the-art theory, you will learn to trace and analyse the fast paced technological and organisational developments in digitalisation and surveillance. You will dive into the manifold communication challenges faced by companies, managers and workers in the media sector and other industries;
- this programme features an interdisciplinary focus through real world cases, guest lectures and seminars with professionals;
- you will be part of an international, interactive and small scale classroom, enabling you to develop a globally comprehensive outlook on digitalisation;
- this programme enables students to develop scientifically informed responses to these challenges by focusing on social, intercultural, political, technical, and international dimensions of digitalisation.

Six well known cases related to Digitalisation, Surveillance & Societies
- the use of artificial intelligence in urban security;
- repurposing of period tracking and fertility app data;
- contact tracing apps during COVID-19;
- the implementation of the GDPR in and beyond Europe;
- the so-called ‘social credit system’ in China;
- the spread of smart doorbells (ex: Ring) and other domestic surveillance tools.
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