Digital Demos: Data, Democracy and Regulations in the EU and India



Concept Note: Who shapes the rules of our digital futures? How are democracies responding to the rising power of data and algorithms? Can the EU and India learn from each other’s approaches? As major democratic actors in the global digital economy, both the EU and India have developed distinct data governance frameworks, reflected in their respective regulations. These frameworks have extraterritorial effects and play a crucial role in shaping the global data governance discourse. In this context, it is essential to examine their regulatory approaches through a comparative lens, while also considering their broader global implications. This conference aims to provide a platform for rigorous academic dialogue, critical debate, and knowledge exchange on data policies and regulations in the EU and India. It will bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of data regulation and its impact on the geopolitics of digital technologies. By fostering cross-regional insights, the conference will contribute to a deeper understanding of the narratives, policies, and practices shaping the normative values of digital democracy and data governance.

Themes: We encourage submissions that address, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Comparative Frameworks for Digital Democracy
  • Data Governance Regimes and Regulatory Models
  • Normative Values in Data Regulations
  • Digital Rights and Principles
  • Compliance Frameworks for Data Fiduciaries
  • Geo-Politics of Digital Technology and Data Diplomacy
  • Strategic Narratives on Cross-border Data Flows
  • Data Localisation and Digital Sovereignty
  • Data Infrastructure and Data Altruism
  • Future Trajectories of Global Data Governance


Submission Guidelines: We invite submissions of original research papers from scholars across disciplines such as European and international law, political science, public policy, sociology, international relations, diplomacy studies, and development studies. Abstracts should be between 500 and 1000 words and clearly include the paper title, research objectives, methodology, key findings, and the relevance to the conference theme. Each submission must be accompanied by a brief bio of the author(s), including their institutional affiliation and contact information.

Key Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: June 25, 2025 (5PM IST)
Notification of Acceptance: July 10, 2025
Draft Paper Submission Deadline: August 10, 2025

Link for Abstract Submission: https://forms.office.com/r/yJD63imULs
Registration and Logistics: There is no registration fee. The conference organisers will provide catering for tea/coffee and lunch during the conference. All other expenses, including travel and accommodation, will be the responsibility of the participants.

Conference Convenor: Dr. Aakansha Natani, Assistant Professor, Human Sciences Research Centre, IIIT Hyderabad, India. Email: aakansha.natani@iiit.ac.in
Conference Co-Convenor: Dr. S. Shaji, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad, India. Email: shajiss@uohyd.ac.in