NEWS

Virtual Worlds, Real Challenges

10 June 2026

The conference Virtual Worlds, Real Challenges: How to govern the online public sphere?, will take place on 9 July 2026 at Tilburg University

The conference brings together scholars and practitioners to discuss how platforms, AI, VR/AR and virtual environments are reshaping the online public sphere and creating new challenges for society, organizations, law, ethics, design and governance.

The conference may be particularly interesting for students, researchers, professionals and organizations working on or interested in human-centered technology, AI, digital innovation, media, education, platform governance, online interaction, responsible design, consumer protection or the broader societal impact of emerging technologies.

The programme includes panels on, among others:

  • user-centered platform design;
  • platform economies and digital business models;
  • content moderation and public discourse;
  • AI and human decision-making;
  • cybercrime and digital evidence;
  • consumer protection, dark patterns and persuasive design;
  • virtual identity, mental health and fundamental rights.

Participation is free, but registration is necessary in order to ensure room capacity and sufficient catering.

Tilburg University hopes to welcome many of you on 9 July!

Programme and registration