Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy
@mctd.bsky.social
Radically rethinking power relationships between digital technologies, society, and the planet | 📍 University of Cambridge | Sign-up to our mailing list ➡️ http://tinyurl.com/minderoocambs | Latest: https://linktr.ee/mctdcambridge
Our report calls on the Government to protect the UK's literary scene❗️
It urges Government not to implement exceptions to copyright law and instead recommends reinforcing copyright through a dynamic, accessible, and fair licensing market for AI training.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
It urges Government not to implement exceptions to copyright law and instead recommends reinforcing copyright through a dynamic, accessible, and fair licensing market for AI training.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Our report calls on the Government to protect the UK's literary scene❗️
It urges Government not to implement exceptions to copyright law and instead recommends reinforcing copyright through a dynamic, accessible, and fair licensing market for AI training.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
It urges Government not to implement exceptions to copyright law and instead recommends reinforcing copyright through a dynamic, accessible, and fair licensing market for AI training.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
Literary works are being pirated then scraped to train GenAI models.
59% of novelists reported they knew their work had been used to train GenAI models. Of these, 99% said they did not give permission and 100% said they were not remunerated for this use.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
59% of novelists reported they knew their work had been used to train GenAI models. Of these, 99% said they did not give permission and 100% said they were not remunerated for this use.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Literary works are being pirated then scraped to train GenAI models.
59% of novelists reported they knew their work had been used to train GenAI models. Of these, 99% said they did not give permission and 100% said they were not remunerated for this use.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
59% of novelists reported they knew their work had been used to train GenAI models. Of these, 99% said they did not give permission and 100% said they were not remunerated for this use.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
Novels contribute substantially to our culture, education, identity, wellbeing, and entertainment.
However, with the rise of GenAI, novelists, publishers, and the novel itself are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, change, and challenge.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
However, with the rise of GenAI, novelists, publishers, and the novel itself are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, change, and challenge.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Novels contribute substantially to our culture, education, identity, wellbeing, and entertainment.
However, with the rise of GenAI, novelists, publishers, and the novel itself are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, change, and challenge.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
However, with the rise of GenAI, novelists, publishers, and the novel itself are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, change, and challenge.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
"The findings in this report should sound the alarm. The fears novelists have shared with us are not abstract concerns, but real challenges faced by people whose craft sustains British culture and one of its most successful industries." - @ginasue.bsky.social
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
"The findings in this report should sound the alarm. The fears novelists have shared with us are not abstract concerns, but real challenges faced by people whose craft sustains British culture and one of its most successful industries." - @ginasue.bsky.social
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
NEW REPORT – The Impact of Generative AI and the Novel 📚
Today we've published new research by @clemicollett.bsky.social examining how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts.
Read now: www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
Today we've published new research by @clemicollett.bsky.social examining how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts.
Read now: www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
November 20, 2025 at 8:22 AM
NEW REPORT – The Impact of Generative AI and the Novel 📚
Today we've published new research by @clemicollett.bsky.social examining how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts.
Read now: www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
Today we've published new research by @clemicollett.bsky.social examining how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts.
Read now: www.mctd.ac.uk/impact-of-ge...
How are novelists and publishers experiencing AI’s impacts❓
Join us next week (20 Nov) for the launch of a new report on how GenAI is impacting the publishing industry. Hear from @clemicollett.bsky.social, @katemossewriter.bsky.social, and @alcs.co.uk.
Book now ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
Join us next week (20 Nov) for the launch of a new report on how GenAI is impacting the publishing industry. Hear from @clemicollett.bsky.social, @katemossewriter.bsky.social, and @alcs.co.uk.
Book now ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
November 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
How are novelists and publishers experiencing AI’s impacts❓
Join us next week (20 Nov) for the launch of a new report on how GenAI is impacting the publishing industry. Hear from @clemicollett.bsky.social, @katemossewriter.bsky.social, and @alcs.co.uk.
Book now ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
Join us next week (20 Nov) for the launch of a new report on how GenAI is impacting the publishing industry. Hear from @clemicollett.bsky.social, @katemossewriter.bsky.social, and @alcs.co.uk.
Book now ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
UPCOMING 📚 The Impact of GenAI on the Novel
Join us for the (online) launch of a new report from Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social @braiduk.bsky.social (in assoc with @ifow.org) on how generative AI is impacting novelists and the publishing industry.
Book your spot ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
Join us for the (online) launch of a new report from Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social @braiduk.bsky.social (in assoc with @ifow.org) on how generative AI is impacting novelists and the publishing industry.
Book your spot ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
November 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
UPCOMING 📚 The Impact of GenAI on the Novel
Join us for the (online) launch of a new report from Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social @braiduk.bsky.social (in assoc with @ifow.org) on how generative AI is impacting novelists and the publishing industry.
Book your spot ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
Join us for the (online) launch of a new report from Dr @clemicollett.bsky.social @braiduk.bsky.social (in assoc with @ifow.org) on how generative AI is impacting novelists and the publishing industry.
Book your spot ➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/events/gener...
At the event, Prof Zou spoke to @annkristinglenster.bsky.social, Matt Hervey, and Prof Henning Grosse Ruse-Khan about GenAI's impact on specific areas of law, including non-discrimination, data protection, intellectual property, corporate governance, and criminal law.
October 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
At the event, Prof Zou spoke to @annkristinglenster.bsky.social, Matt Hervey, and Prof Henning Grosse Ruse-Khan about GenAI's impact on specific areas of law, including non-discrimination, data protection, intellectual property, corporate governance, and criminal law.
How can the law keep up with tech in the AI era❓
We recently hosted a convo with Prof Mimi Zou of UNSW at @crasshlive.bsky.social to mark the publication of 'The Cambridge Handbook of GenAI and the Law' from @cambridge.org.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/cambridge-ha...
We recently hosted a convo with Prof Mimi Zou of UNSW at @crasshlive.bsky.social to mark the publication of 'The Cambridge Handbook of GenAI and the Law' from @cambridge.org.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/cambridge-ha...
October 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
How can the law keep up with tech in the AI era❓
We recently hosted a convo with Prof Mimi Zou of UNSW at @crasshlive.bsky.social to mark the publication of 'The Cambridge Handbook of GenAI and the Law' from @cambridge.org.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/cambridge-ha...
We recently hosted a convo with Prof Mimi Zou of UNSW at @crasshlive.bsky.social to mark the publication of 'The Cambridge Handbook of GenAI and the Law' from @cambridge.org.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/cambridge-ha...
NEW 📚 Data Protection in Humanitarian Action
Our team (Timothy Charlton, Cassie Seo, and Julia Feigen) contributed 2️⃣ chapters to a new anthology from @icrc.org and @unhcr.org exploring data protection as a key enabler of responsible humanitarian action.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/book-data-pr...
Our team (Timothy Charlton, Cassie Seo, and Julia Feigen) contributed 2️⃣ chapters to a new anthology from @icrc.org and @unhcr.org exploring data protection as a key enabler of responsible humanitarian action.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/book-data-pr...
October 27, 2025 at 1:54 PM
NEW 📚 Data Protection in Humanitarian Action
Our team (Timothy Charlton, Cassie Seo, and Julia Feigen) contributed 2️⃣ chapters to a new anthology from @icrc.org and @unhcr.org exploring data protection as a key enabler of responsible humanitarian action.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/book-data-pr...
Our team (Timothy Charlton, Cassie Seo, and Julia Feigen) contributed 2️⃣ chapters to a new anthology from @icrc.org and @unhcr.org exploring data protection as a key enabler of responsible humanitarian action.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/book-data-pr...
Will AI really deliver against the hype❓
@wired.com brought together a group of senior leaders to discuss the future of AI. Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social took part in the debate, w/ @azeem.bsky.social @rory-stewart.bsky.social, exploring the political economy of AI.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-real-mea...
@wired.com brought together a group of senior leaders to discuss the future of AI. Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social took part in the debate, w/ @azeem.bsky.social @rory-stewart.bsky.social, exploring the political economy of AI.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-real-mea...
October 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Will AI really deliver against the hype❓
@wired.com brought together a group of senior leaders to discuss the future of AI. Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social took part in the debate, w/ @azeem.bsky.social @rory-stewart.bsky.social, exploring the political economy of AI.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-real-mea...
@wired.com brought together a group of senior leaders to discuss the future of AI. Our ED @ginasue.bsky.social took part in the debate, w/ @azeem.bsky.social @rory-stewart.bsky.social, exploring the political economy of AI.
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/the-real-mea...
Today is International Day of Sign Languages, a day commemorating the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf and spotlighting the issues Deaf people face in their everyday lives.
This year's theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights❗
This year's theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights❗
September 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Today is International Day of Sign Languages, a day commemorating the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf and spotlighting the issues Deaf people face in their everyday lives.
This year's theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights❗
This year's theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights❗
▪️All public bodies deploying BSL AI must publish regular reports on system performance, community impact, and compliance with inclusion obligations.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️All public bodies deploying BSL AI must publish regular reports on system performance, community impact, and compliance with inclusion obligations.
▪️Create independent oversight mechanisms for monitoring BSL AI deployment across public services.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️Create independent oversight mechanisms for monitoring BSL AI deployment across public services.
▪️The Government Digital Service, NHS Digital, and other digital transformation bodies must embed sustained Deaf expertise in service design and technology strategies.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️The Government Digital Service, NHS Digital, and other digital transformation bodies must embed sustained Deaf expertise in service design and technology strategies.
▪️Government must fund a coordinated National BSL Expertise Network capable of supporting procurement oversight across multiple authorities and sectors.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️Government must fund a coordinated National BSL Expertise Network capable of supporting procurement oversight across multiple authorities and sectors.
▪️ Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service must issue updated Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) providing specific guidance for BSL AI commissioning.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️ Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service must issue updated Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) providing specific guidance for BSL AI commissioning.
▪️Procurement teams must recognise and quantify the social value generated by Deaf-led infrastructure investment and linguistic inclusion.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️Procurement teams must recognise and quantify the social value generated by Deaf-led infrastructure investment and linguistic inclusion.
▪️All BSL AI procurement must include Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs) co-designed and conducted with Deaf expertise.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️All BSL AI procurement must include Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs) co-designed and conducted with Deaf expertise.
▪️Develop specialised standards for BSL AI commissioning that treat sign language as a distinct linguistic domain requiring expert oversight.
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
▪️Develop specialised standards for BSL AI commissioning that treat sign language as a distinct linguistic domain requiring expert oversight.
NEW REPORT 🚨 BSL is Not for Sale
Sign Language AI systems are being rolled out across the UK's public services without proper consultation with Deaf communities❗
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/bsl-not-for-...
Sign Language AI systems are being rolled out across the UK's public services without proper consultation with Deaf communities❗
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/bsl-not-for-...
September 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
NEW REPORT 🚨 BSL is Not for Sale
Sign Language AI systems are being rolled out across the UK's public services without proper consultation with Deaf communities❗
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/bsl-not-for-...
Sign Language AI systems are being rolled out across the UK's public services without proper consultation with Deaf communities❗
➡️ www.mctd.ac.uk/bsl-not-for-...
Our latest report looks at the climate impact of data centres in the UK and their potential future trajectories, illustrating how emissions from the AI build-out could outstrip climate gains.
Bhargav S Desikan, lead author of the report, comments below💡
www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...
Bhargav S Desikan, lead author of the report, comments below💡
www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...
July 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Our latest report looks at the climate impact of data centres in the UK and their potential future trajectories, illustrating how emissions from the AI build-out could outstrip climate gains.
Bhargav S Desikan, lead author of the report, comments below💡
www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...
Bhargav S Desikan, lead author of the report, comments below💡
www.mctd.ac.uk/big-tech-cli...
5️⃣ The FCDO, with Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero and DSIT, should advocate for harmonised global disclosure standards on AI-related enviro impacts.
🟢 These efforts should be advanced through COP, @iea.org, @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, and with the EU and countries w/ major cloud providers.
🟢 These efforts should be advanced through COP, @iea.org, @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, and with the EU and countries w/ major cloud providers.
July 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
5️⃣ The FCDO, with Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero and DSIT, should advocate for harmonised global disclosure standards on AI-related enviro impacts.
🟢 These efforts should be advanced through COP, @iea.org, @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, and with the EU and countries w/ major cloud providers.
🟢 These efforts should be advanced through COP, @iea.org, @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, and with the EU and countries w/ major cloud providers.
4️⃣ The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should establish community liaison committees for data centre developments, including local residents, planners, and environmental scientists.
🟢 @commonseac.parliament.uk could oversee annual reviews of AI’s environmental footprint.
🟢 @commonseac.parliament.uk could oversee annual reviews of AI’s environmental footprint.
July 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
4️⃣ The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should establish community liaison committees for data centre developments, including local residents, planners, and environmental scientists.
🟢 @commonseac.parliament.uk could oversee annual reviews of AI’s environmental footprint.
🟢 @commonseac.parliament.uk could oversee annual reviews of AI’s environmental footprint.
3️⃣ Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero, with @thecccuk.bsky.social, should integrate digital infrastructure into the UK’s statutory carbon budgeting process under the Climate Change Act.
🟢 This includes setting AI-specific emissions reduction targets and guidance on aligning with net zero goals.
🟢 This includes setting AI-specific emissions reduction targets and guidance on aligning with net zero goals.
July 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
3️⃣ Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero, with @thecccuk.bsky.social, should integrate digital infrastructure into the UK’s statutory carbon budgeting process under the Climate Change Act.
🟢 This includes setting AI-specific emissions reduction targets and guidance on aligning with net zero goals.
🟢 This includes setting AI-specific emissions reduction targets and guidance on aligning with net zero goals.