#Pubconf2026: Technology for Democracy
On 4, 5 and 6 June, PublicSpaces and Waag Futurelab organised the sixth edition of the PublicSpaces conference ‘Technology for Democracy’. Through a packed programme featuring keynotes, workshops, round-table sessions, art, culture, panels, an unconference, a bazaar, networking drinks and an awards show, we discussed how we can make technology work for us again – and for our democracy.
With over a hundred speakers spread across more than thirty different sessions at three venues, and together with hundreds of visitors, a wide range of topics and themes were explored. A few examples: Within the Digital Autonomy track, we explored how the use of open-source technology and improved collaboration can reduce dependence on big tech. With Public AI, we addressed the question of how AI can be designed and managed based on public values, and how it can also be used as a tool and an artistic medium. With The Next Socials (in collaboration with New_Public) and during the ‘unconference’, we explored how we can harness the potential of the decentralised ‘Open Social Web’ (with platforms such as Mastodon) to develop European social media that can contribute to a healthy democracy. On Friday evening, the Open Socials Award was presented, with the top prize going to the Newsmast Foundation: a London-based non-profit that helps organisations build their own secure, independent online communities.
All in all, it was a packed programme, featuring a mix of inspiring stories and interactive sessions, with plenty of opportunity to get to know one another, discuss issues and exchange ideas.
