UNL Receives Grant to Study Technology and Democracy

Nebraska Governance and Technology Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has received a $250,000 grant to study technology’s impact on democracy.

UNL is one of several universities nationwide to receive the new grant from the Knight Foundation, which invests in journalism-focused projects across the country. The foundation is particularly interested in questions of free speech online, including the regulation of hate speech and misinformation.

John Sands is director of learning and impact for Knight Foundation. He said UNL’s application for the grant was a clear standout.

“They really are investing heavily in an interdisciplinary center that explores how technology and law will intersect both today and in the future,” Sands said.

Sands didn’t know a timeline for the research, but believes any questions it addresses about technology and democracy are pressing at this time.