Deadline: 31 December 2025
Conference Dates
- 1–2 June 2026
- Two-day, all-day event
Location
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Host
- Data Justice Lab
- School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC), Cardiff University
Conference Theme
The Datafied State
The field of data justice continues to explore the societal implications of datafication across domains such as:
- Social media
- Platform capitalism
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While much attention has focused on harms to communities, less emphasis has been placed on how data-driven technologies have transformed the state itself. From:
- High-stakes surveillance (e.g. Snowden revelations),
- Crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic,
- Everyday public service delivery,
Platforms and AI systems are now deeply embedded in state functions. At the same time, governments have actively driven datafication and strengthened ties with technology corporations. Understanding these dynamics is central to contemporary debates on data justice.
Conference Focus
The conference will explore:
- The transformation of the state in an age of datafication
- Relationships between governments and data-driven technologies
- The evolving role of corporations in governance
- Social justice implications and resistance practices
- Efforts to democratise data and technology
The event will bring together international scholars, practitioners, and community groups to critically examine the nature and consequences of the datafied state.
Keynote Speakers
- Oriana Bernasconi — Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
- Sarah Myers West — AI Now Institute, USA
- Nick Srnicek — King’s College London, UK
Call for Abstracts
- Abstract length: Maximum 500 words
- Submission email: DataJusticeLab@cardiff.ac.uk
- Deadline for abstract submission: 31 December 2025
Registration Fees
- Regular: £175 (£150 early bird)
- Students: £125 (£100 early bird)
Registration Deadlines
- Early bird: 6 March 2026
- Final deadline: 17 April 2026
Conference Format
- In-person conference
- While previous editions were in-person (2018), online (2021), and hybrid (2023), Data Justice 2026 will focus on physical participation.
- Registration fees have been kept as low as possible.
- Online streaming or recordings may be provided for keynotes and major sessions, but full hybrid participation will not be available.
For further details, please see event’s website.
