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From politics to ethics: Transformations in EU policies on digital technology

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  • Carlsson, Vanja
  • Rönnblom, Malin

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation have become an integral part of public governance. While digital technology is expected to enhance neutrality and accuracy in decision-making, it raises concerns about the status of public values and democratic principles. Guided by the theoretical concepts of input, throughput and output democracy, this article analyses how democratic principles have been interpreted and defended in EU policy formulations relating to digital technology over the last decade. The emergence of AI policy has changed the conditions for democratic input and throughput legitimacy, which is an expression of a shift in power and influence between public and private sectors. Democratic input values in AI production are promoted by ethical guidelines directed towards the industry, while democratic throughput, e.g., accountability and transparency, receive less attention in EU AI policy. This indicates future political implications for the ability of citizens to influence technological change and pass judgement on accountable actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlsson, Vanja & Rönnblom, Malin, 2022. "From politics to ethics: Transformations in EU policies on digital technology," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:71:y:2022:i:c:s0160791x2200286x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102145
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grybauskas, Andrius & Stefanini, Alessandro & Ghobakhloo, Morteza, 2022. "Social sustainability in the age of digitalization: A systematic literature Review on the social implications of industry 4.0," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    2. Vivien A. Schmidt, 2013. "Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union Revisited: Input, Output and ‘Throughput’," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 61(1), pages 2-22, March.
    3. Smuha, Nathalie A., 2021. "Beyond the individual: Governing AI's societal harm," Internet Policy Review: Journal on Internet Regulation, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), Berlin, vol. 10(3), pages 1-32.
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    2. Lykourentzou, Maria Anna & Apostolopoulos, Nikolaos & Dabić, Marina & Liargovas, Panagiotis & Tekavčič, Metka, 2025. "Assessing the role of human factor in digital transformation projects: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    3. Vallès-Peris, Núria & Domènech, Miquel, 2024. "Digital citizenship at school: Democracy, pragmatism and RRI," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
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    5. Ma, Wenhui & Wang, Kai-Hua & Li, Xin, 2025. "Revolutionizing green finance: The synergistic spillover effects of AI, cloud computing, and blockchain," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    6. Perdana, Arif & Arifin, Saru & Quadrianto, Novi, 2025. "Algorithmic trust and regulation: Governance, ethics, legal, and social implications blueprint for Indonesia's central banking," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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