At the first episode of the AI, Big Data & Democracy Taskforce webinar series on May 9, 2025, the ITHACA project was honoured to unveil project’s key technical developments. Especially in connection with the ITHACA platform, namely the front-end interface. Its features are designed to ensure accessibility, intuitive user experience, and meaningful civic participation.
Organised in collaboration with the ORBIS, AI4Gov, and KT4D projects, the webinar served as a platform to exchange knowledge and showcase technological progress. Moreover, participants could also strengthen the collaboration among the four EU funded projects under the Horizon Europe programme. The series is designed to explore how AI and big data tools can be harnessed to enhance citizen involvement, trust, and transparency in democratic governance.
Focus on the ITHACA Platform
During the session, the ITHACA coordinator Konnektable Technologies Ltd presented the project’s key technical developments and overarching objectives. The central part of the presentation was a live demonstration of the ITHACA platform prepared by SIMAVI, the project’s technical partner. The demo focused on the platform’s front-end interface, highlighting features designed to ensure accessibility, intuitive user experience, and meaningful civic participation.
The presentation also explored ITHACA’s gamification strategy. It is developed to increase user engagement and participation. In addition, the team introduced future plans to integrate AI fairness tools, which will be critical in ensuring that platform interactions remain inclusive, transparent, and ethically grounded.
From its inception, the ITHACA platform has been built with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and user-centric design. Moreover, a particular attention has been laid on the needs of vulnerable groups. These efforts align with the project’s broader mission: to harness the power of artificial intelligence in a way that strengthens democratic processes, safeguards fundamental rights, and promotes active civic engagement across communities.
Shared Vision with ORBIS
The webinar also featured an insightful presentation from ORBIS. It is a project aiming to enhance deliberative democracy by supporting co-creation and participatory processes. Their approach leverages trustworthy AI to strengthen civic dialogue, institutional openness, and ethical decision-making in democratic contexts.
This alignment in vision and values across the Taskforce projects underscores the shared commitment to using advanced technologies. They should be used to empower citizens and reinforce the foundations of democratic societies.
What’s Next?
This was the first of a two-part webinar series hosted by the AI, Big Data & Democracy Taskforce. The next session—scheduled for the second half of May—will feature presentations from AI4Gov and KT4D. It will provide for a further dialogue on technological innovation and participatory governance.
What is EU Taskforce?
The taskforce consists of four EU funded projects operating in close synergy. Their common goal is to advance the European Commission’s vision of building inclusive, innovative, and reflective societies. By focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, big data, democracy, and civic engagement, they each bring unique perspectives and methodologies.
Together, they contribute a rich spectrum of approaches and academic insights. All of them aimed at strengthening democratic processes and safeguarding civic participation in the face of evolving technological challenges.
As one of the participating projects, ITHACA is excited to continue working with its sister projects. This enables us to promote responsible AI applications and co-create meaningful civic engagement solutions across Europe.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Europe Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
