The internet is largely in the hands of a number of big tech companies. Under the promise of making the world a better, fairer and more efficient place, they collect our data on a massive scale. But is this really making the world a better place, or is this just a mirage, a ‘data morgana’?

Navigating the city with Google Maps, going on dates with a digital match, working in the cloud and scrolling all day on Instagram and TikTok through an endless stream of content. We live in an age where our digital environment can no longer be separated from the physical world.

That physical world is deliberately shaped in consultation with parties representing different interests. Through elections, citizens have a say in the course of a city, region or country. There are laws, rules and labels that protect us. There are shops where you can buy things, with products that meet strict safety requirements. There are public places like parks where you can walk freely, where rubbish bins ensure clean streets and the neighbourhood policeman maintains order.

What about our digital world? The internet has become indispensable: access to it is necessary to function in society. Therefore, shouldn't it be a public amenity?

In Data Morgana, artist and host Julia Janssen goes beyond the problems of today's internet in conversation with experts, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs in search of ideas, examples and possibilities to shape our digital future.

Data Morgana is a collaboration between PublicSpaces, AT5, the Public Library Amsterdam and Studio Julia Janssen, and is made possible by the European Union.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.