Research

The project will highlight how the characteristics of the online environment and the power structures of data ownership may contribute to addiction and how these can be tackled through regulation.

Addiction takes a serious toll on individuals, families, and societies. To prevent addiction, it is important to address the structures promoting addiction rather than focus only on individuals. Gambling products and other addictive commodities are increasingly sold and marketed online. All online activities generate vast amounts of behavioral data. Gambling companies and networks leverage such data to develop new ways to sell and market products harmful to consumers. 

The project will highlight how the characteristics of the online environment and the power structures of data ownership may contribute to addiction and how these can be tackled through regulation.

The project is seeking to:

• Investigate digital gambling company networks
• Analyse how these networks use online-generated data for commercial purposes
• Illuminate the economic power structures contributing to addiction in online environments

The project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC).