Research programme
Web tracking and Algorithmic Profiling: Trends, Challenges, Horizons
To counter the privacy risks and regulatory challenges of algorithmic user profiling, the WATCH Project builds a cross-institutional research network to drive the development of privacy-preserving web technologies and digital policies.
- Duration
- 2026
- Contact
- Akrati Saxena
- Funding
- Una Europa Seed Funding call
- Partners
Alma Mater Studiorum - Universitàdi Bologna, University College Dublin, University of Edinburgh, Helsingin Yliopisto/Helsingfors Universitet, Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie, Universität Zürich Freie, Universität Berlin, KU Leuven, University of Murcia, University of Copenhagen.
Web tracking technologies are a crucial part of today's digital infrastructure, enabling the collection of behavioural data for algorithmic user profiling, targeted advertising and content personalisation. However, they raise significant concerns about surveillance, privacy, and regulatory accountability. The WATCH Project examines the evolving landscape of web tracking and algorithmic user profiling through an innovative, interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise from computer science, data science, AI, network science, communication, media studies, usability, law, governance and policy design. Anchored in the DS and AI Una Europa focus area, WATCH brings together a robust interdisciplinary consortium, comprising nine Una Europa universities, three external universities, and various public and private stakeholders. The project promotes collaboration and cross-institutional knowledge exchange through a range of high-impact activities, such as a symposium, a monthly webinar series, consortium workshops, and educational awareness materials. Ultimately, WATCH is building an interdisciplinary research network that focuses on privacypreserving, AI-driven profiling systems and policies, aiming to create significant scientific and societal impact in our increasingly digital world.
This research project is part of the University-wide theme Quantum & Space.