Are fitness trackers the next answer to fight Covid-19? Published: 14 September 2020 Commentary As contact-tracing apps prove less useful than hoped in many countries, other digital tools such as wearable fitness trackers are gaining in popularity for detecting or tracing coronavirus infection. But a reliance on such technologies comes with big questions about effectiveness and privacy. By Deepika Yadav
Why we need to rethink open data in Asia during Covid-19 Published: 14 September 2020 Commentary In Asia, the pandemic has accelerated efforts to keep citizens informed through prompt and extensive data sharing. However, this new openness has also led to concerns regarding transparency, data protection, and democratic participation. By Benjamin Zhou
"It must be a plot!" – Coronavirus conspiracy theorists take to streets in Germany Published: 10 September 2020 Commentary Conspiracy theories might seem funny in ordinary times. But against the backdrop of escalating far-right attacks worldwide in recent years and now the pandemic, these myths have spiraled into a dangerous pattern of radicalization. By Katharina Nocun
For people with disabilities, working from home using tech is a relief – and a struggle Published: 11 August 2020 Feature Increased use of digital communication tools during the Covid-19 lockdowns has made working from home acceptable – and even more sociable – for many people with disabilities. But technology still has a long way to go toward inclusion. Four professionals talk about the pros and cons. By Hawken Miller
Poland remains divided Published: 24 July 2020 Commentary Following a suspense-packed election thriller, Poland has elected its new president. What seemed like it would be a walkover for the incumbent, Andrzej Duda, turned out to be an attempt to shift the direction of Polish domestic affairs. By Joanna Maria Stolarek
Safeguarding the Rule of Law in EU Member States Published: 14 July 2020 Conversation In recent years, the rule of law has been dismantled in the EU, especially in Hungary and Poland. Who and which measures can guarantee safeguarding democracy and citizen's rights? And how will the situation develop in Europe? By Joanna Maria Stolarek and Gert Röhrborn
Safeguarding the Rule of Law in EU Member States Published: 14 July 2020 Conversation In recent years, the rule of law has been dismantled in the EU, especially in Hungary and Poland. Who and which measures can guarantee safeguarding democracy and citizen's rights? And how will the situation develop in Europe? By Joanna Maria Stolarek and Gert Röhrborn
How not to use tech in a pandemic - lessons from the UK Published: 30 June 2020 Commentary From legal challenges to delays, leaks and policy reversals, the UK has stumbled in its tech response to the pandemic. A full assessment of what happened will take time, but the record thus far already offers lessons for the future. By Frederike Kaltheuner
Home office could be here to stay in Germany – if the internet in rural areas holds up Published: 2 June 2020 Feature The coronavirus pandemic forced half of the German working population to work from home. A majority was happy with the move, an early study indicates. If the broadband expansion catches up in the countryside, many might never go back. By Felix Franz
From mass protests to the SARS-CoV2 crisis: the public health crisis is worsening the social crisis in Chile Published: 27 May 2020 Background The October uprising has paved the way for new constitution in Chile. However, the virus has forced citizens’ organisations into quarantine and is delaying constitutional change. What happens next? By Ingrid Wehr