The lab will consist of 20 participants including researchers, practitioners, journalists and technologists. The idea behind this lab is to showcase ground-breaking research and knowledge in the Indian context on the following issues – and to surface new ways of looking at and thinking about these.

1. Bodies, Data and Protection: Data protection policies and regulations typically aim to protect data. But are bodies adequately represented in these discourses?

2. Online Pornography and Sexual Expression: How can we redefine online pornography, which is always seen – and used – as an excuse to curtail expression?

3. Hate Speech and Misinformation: While new evidence shows how hate speech insidiously courses through platforms from TikTok to WhatsApp, what is the role of platforms in preventing this?

4. Facial Recognition and Women’s Safety: Eight cities in India will soon launch facial recognition programs as part of safe city programs. But are these technologies themselves ​‘safe’?

The lab aims to approach these issues conceptually and critically, to unpack some of the assumptions, narratives, interests, and values shaping conversations around these issues in India; to surface invisible or marginalised narratives and perspectives; and to identify policy pathways for India that centre users’ rights and interests.