We are the IfDA, with a new mindset for the digital age.
The Institute for Digital Advancement develops timely, pertinent and ambitious policy, providing a fresh perspective on how we can deploy existing technology to serve us all better and how we can utilise new tech responsibly.
Our Vision.
This new world needs us to reconsider the how we use techology for work, education and leisure, and how we will make use of any new technologies developed in the future.
The IfDA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's citizens by advocating for the responsible, ethical and accessible deployment of advanced digital technologies.
We're committed to transparency in our operations, through annual reports which detail how our resources are being coordinated to further our knowledge into ethical applications of technology in the real world.
Our Research.
The IfDA, working with the best minds in computer science, computer systems engineering and creative technology, develops evidence-based and targeted policies to equip people with the skills necessary to thrive with increased digitisation.
We also conduct research into how to mitigate the risks of an increasingly digital world and any emerging technologies, enabling the public to preserve their privacy, dignity and individual freedom.
Narrow Artificial Intelligence
Single-use AI is already pervasive in our daily lives. It's used in predictive algorithms, facial identification, voice recognition and in the prevention and detection of crime and fraud.
Artificial intelligence, if trained inclusively and deployed effectively, can support research and development, keep us safe, increase productivity and help us maintain our health.
We're looking into how narrow AI can be developed more responsibly and used to more ethically, to ensure everyone reaps the benefits while not infringing on individual rights.
Ubiquitous Computing & the Internet of Things
Connected smart devices are becoming embedded within the fabric of our society, presenting enormous opportunities for advances in on-device intelligence.
The rise of interconnected devices presents a growing threat, however, as it can enable constant mass surveillance of individuals, even in the privacy of their own homes.
We are currently conducting research into how the benefits of IoT can be balanced with its risks, and developing legislative policies to promote innovation while safeguarding privacy.
Virtual Reality
The rise in capability of virtual reality devices presents incredible medical, industrial and entertainment opportunities. However, there are no standards or regulations for the collection, use or sharing of data from VR headsets.
This data includes incredibly sensitive information, which can predict a lot about a person's cognitive and physical health.
We're working on policy and model legislation which will place limits on the use of the private and sensitve VR data while enabling tech firms to build better products.
Social Media
Over the last two decades, social media has become a powerful force for social good, allowing us to remain connected with one another and to support each other even during the most difficult times.
There are concerns, though, about the reach and influence that social media companies have over us, as well as the amount of data that they collect and analyse to operate their services.
We are conducting research into more ethical and privacy-respecting business models for social media, alongside legislation to reveal how much data is really collected, how it's used, and how we can opt-out to protect our liberty.
Our Press Releases.
To uphold our commitment to advance computer science, we regularly publish articles and papers on topics in our research remit.
If you'd like to discuss any of these topics further, please
reach out to us at
hello@advancing.digital. Enquiries from members of the press should be directed to
press@advancing.digital.
Contact the IfDA.
Whether you're interested in helping us challenge the status quo, or whether you'd like to speak to us about our published policy papers, we're keen to hear from you.