Questions and Perspectives Shape Solutions (pp-international.net)

The Think Twice Conference (TT5) has announced its call for speakers, focusing on the theme "AI & Governance: Opportunities and Risks for Digital Freedom," set to take place on October 16–17, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium. This year's conference is highly significant for the AI and ML community, as it aims to address the evolving role of AI in governance and its implications for digital freedom—a stark contrast to the previous conference in Prague, where AI was not on the agenda. As governments increasingly integrate AI into public services, there are concerns regarding data bias, system opacity, and the overall concentration of power. TT5 will explore critical questions surrounding the dual roles of AI: enhancing governance while safeguarding digital freedom and how digital freedom can influence AI oversight. The conference will feature presentations on various topics, including AI's impact on public services, civic engagement, and regulatory measures to ensure accountability and fairness in AI systems. Interested speakers have until June 1 to submit their abstracts, which will be evaluated by a committee from Pirate Parties International and the European Pirates. The event promises to foster a diverse dialogue among participants from various backgrounds, ultimately aiming to shape a collaborative framework for aligning AI advancements with democratic values.