 | ETHICOMP2025: 22nd International Conference on the Ethical and Social Impacts of ICT Palace of the Counts of Redondo, Autonomous University of Lisbon Luís de Camões Lisbon, Portugal, September 17-19, 2025 |
| Conference website | https://autonoma.pt/en/ethicomp-2025/ |
| Submission link | https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=ethicomp2025 |
| Abstract registration deadline | January 15, 2025 |
| Submission deadline | April 1, 2025 |
ETHICOMP has fostered an international community of academics, technologists, and industry professionals dedicated to exploring the ethical dimensions of computing. ETHICOMP is a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, addressing philosophical, professional, and practical aspects of computing ethics. Our conferences have significantly shaped ethical standards and practices in the digital age.
Organized by
- Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa
- Universidade Complutense de Madrid
- Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona
- Universidad de Barcelona
- Instituto Politécnico de Tomar
- Centro de Investigação em Cidades Inteligente
- Centro de Investigação Autonoma TechLab
- Center for Computing and Social Responsibilities, DeMontfort University, Leicester
- Instituto Politécnico do Porto
- COMEGI – Universidades Lusiada de Lisboa
- Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
Website
https://autonoma.pt/en/ethicomp-2025/
Timeline
- Deadline for submission of extended abstracts: January 15, 2025
- Revisions due (accept/accept with changes/reject): March 1, 2025
- Deadline for resubmissions (accepted with changes): April 1, 2025
- Final revisions due (accepted with changes): April 15, 2025
- Full paper submission deadline: June 16, 2025
- Conference: September 17-19, 2025
Submission Guidelines
As with previous ETHICOMP conferences, only papers written in English and not published or submitted elsewhere will be accepted based on an extended abstract after careful and anonymous review overseen by the Program Committee. Authors may submit more than one abstract, but acceptance of multiple proposals from a single author or co-author will be weighted against available space to ensure we can include as many authors as possible for ETHICOMP 2025. At least one of the authors must register and attend the conference, presenting their work. Authors may be invited to present their work at the conference as a regular presentation (each talk 15min presentation + 15min questions and discussion) or as part of a panel (90min session with up to 6 papers, 5-10min presentation + questions and open panel discussion).
List of Topics
1. Open Track
Any topic in computer ethics, broadly construed. Topics related to computer ethics, conceived broadly to include philosophical, professional, and practical aspects of the field.
2. Let’s reevaluate cybersecurity best practices
Today’s society is becoming more dependent on technology, where organizations and individuals cannot function without smart devices in their daily lives. Nowadays, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a key role in defining cybersecurity best practices. For example, AI-powered threat detection, anomaly detection, and automated response systems are becoming more sophisticated in identifying and mitigating cyber threats, as well as identifying threats and vulnerabilities. To manage and minimize these data threats, organizations need to reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies and best practices. This track invites articles that discuss the emerging trends in cybersecurity along with the ethical implications of digital interaction when organizations are developing best practices.
3. Ethical challenges of human relations in education in the AI era
Digital technologies offer numerous benefits to educational relationships, including improved communication, collaboration, and access to resources. However, they also present challenges that educators, students, and policymakers must navigate carefully to ensure positive and equitable outcomes. Teacher-student relationships have changed, with teachers becoming facilitators rather than sole sources of knowledge. While technology improves communication between students, teachers, and parents, it can also affect peer relationships, where online collaboration can lead to reduced face-to-face interaction. Excessive digital communication can diminish empathy and social skills, while virtual communities can foster a sense of belonging in online education. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education introduces new dimensions to these relationships. AI-powered tutoring systems and chatbots can provide personalized support to students, but they also raise concerns about the role of human educators and the potential loss of human connection in the learning process. This track welcomes submissions that explore the multifaceted impact of digital technologies on education in general, including contributions on digital human relationships in education, such as changes in teacher-student dynamics, peer interactions, mentoring, virtual communities, and the ethical implications of AI in learning environments.
4. Gender and Future Digital Technologies
With emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, it is important to explore the role of gender, as gender disparity can create barriers to managing and sustaining digital technologies. Diverse perspectives and technological innovation can help overcome challenges to economic growth, productivity, solve complex technological problems, drive innovation, and shape the future of technology across multiple sectors. This track welcomes paper proposals from scholars across all fields, as well as practitioners, policymakers, educators, and others whose work or experiences overlap with this theme.
5. The normative challenges of AI literacy
The rapid pace of AI development drives the need for investigations into human-machine and machine-to-machine interactions. Exploring the ethical and legal implications of AI-mediated interactions is critical to safeguarding fundamental and human rights. In addition to the challenges related to the misuse or abuse of AI, an often under-researched but highly relevant topic is AI literacy. The relevance of the topic is shown by Section 10.2 lett. (d) vii of the White House Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI of October 2023, and by Article 4 of the AI Act (EU Reg. 2024/1689) in EU law, which concerns ‘AI literacy’, stating that “Providers and deployers of AI systems shall take measures to ensure, to the best of their ability, a sufficient level of AI literacy of their staff and other persons dealing with the operation and use of AI systems on their behalf”. In this context, it is crucial to question the normative implications of AI literacy, examining the accountability and applicability of the US Executive Order and Article 4 of the AI Act; the various models of AI literacy; risks of inequality and digital exclusion; the social disadvantages arising from the lack of digital skills and competencies, etc. The track is open for applications with the aim of discussing AI literacy from an interdisciplinary perspective to contribute to the debate on responsible and trustworthy uses of AI in different areas, such as healthcare, education, scientific research, and industry, among others.
6. (De)stigmatizing digital interactions and technologies
Digital interactions and technologies perpetuate or challenge stigma. For example, persistent stigma around mental health leads young people to turn to social media for mental health information and support. However, they encounter biased moderation or harassment of social media content that negatively impacts stigmatized groups discussing, for example, LGBTQ+ issues or mental health. As another example, sex robots present an opportunity to promote the sexual rights of vulnerable groups, such as those with physical disabilities or the elderly. However, the topic of sex robots remains stigmatized in academia, industry, and the public. This track explores the dual role of digital interactions and technologies in exacerbating and combating stigma. It invites submissions that address stigmatized digital interactions (e.g., sex robot use and virtual reality pornography); stigma-reducing digital interactions (e.g., online mental health resources and help-seeking); stigma-based barriers to digital interactions (e.g., cultural norms and stereotypes); and perpetuating or challenging prejudice against stigmatized groups through digital interactions (e.g., promoting or dismantling online digital activism among stigmatized groups, supporting or hindering rights, advocacy, community building, and empowerment). This track also welcomes articles on related ethical implications and topics, including equity, equality, fairness, justice, access, (in)visibility, cyberbullying, anonymity, and safety.
7. Artificial Intelligence: Interpretability and Measurement of its Underlying Ethics
The ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to pass the Turing test is now an indisputable reality. This indicates that AI has reached a level of similarity to human behaviour in several aspects, including the ability to speak, reason, and even exhibit a degree of creativity. However, consciousness remains a separate challenge. While it currently seems unlikely that AI could develop true consciousness with existing technology, it is plausible that it could convincingly mimic consciousness, potentially passing a hypothetical “consciousness test.” The rapid evolution of AI suggests its integration into many activities that were previously performed exclusively by humans. This transition raises two critical challenges, which this seminar aims to address: 1) Interpretability of AI: Understanding how and why AI makes decisions is essential to building trust in its use. This can be achieved through approaches such as explainable artificial intelligence (XAI); 2) Measuring AI ethics: Given the increasing autonomy of AI, it is crucial to assess, for example, whether its decisions are fair, transparent, and accountable. Assessing these ethical dimensions ensures that AI integrates responsibly into society. This seminar seeks to explore both of these topics, fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue that encourages the development of more understandable and ethically responsible AI.
8. Values: the basis for responsible technology and digital interactions
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) permeate almost every sphere of life and have brought about changes that harm some while benefiting others. One example that highlights the ethical risks and challenges associated with automated decision-making processes is the UK Post Office’s Horizon system, which was an accounting system developed by Fujitsu. Horizon had flaws that led the Post Office to take debt collection action against postmasters. Many other adverse impacts of ICTs have been documented, including those associated with recent advances in artificial intelligence. To mitigate these adverse outcomes, many instruments have been formulated; these aim to infuse values into the design, development and deployment of ICTs and shape human-machine interactions. However, this is not trivial, as value tensions arise between different stakeholders and in different contexts. This track invites theoretical, empirical and practical contributions that address ethical considerations across the ICT lifecycle and that explore value tensions in human-machine interactions. Papers across all application domains are invited, with particular interest in papers exploring these issues in the cybersecurity domain and in teaching and professional practice.
9. How is AI changing us? How does it change the world?
The transformative power of technology is undeniable, permeating every aspect of life. Emerging advances in AI and generative AI are rewriting the rules of what is possible, disrupting established norms in everything from medicine and law to art, education, and research, among others. AI and generative AI tools are changing the way we work, learn, create art, conduct research, consume, and are reshaping the way we interact with humans and technology, the way we communicate, socialize, live, and behave. The interactions between AI, people, and social systems are reshaping our norms and revolutionizing the way our interactions with technology evolve and ultimately change us. While much debate has been needed recently about “human-centric” AI, more research is needed on the conditions under which AI technologies can lead to positive and negative outcomes for human behavior, agency, autonomy, rights, and freedom. As technology reshapes human societies, the need to understand the complex interactions between AI, humans, and social systems, as well as the emerging ethical and social implications, is crucial. Thus, adopting an anticipatory approach to AI development and governance.
10. Ethical challenges for business in a digital world
This track explores the intersection of business ethics and the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of ethical decision-making on organizational outcomes. As digital interactions become increasingly significant, understanding the ethical dimensions of business practices is crucial to fostering a responsible society. We invite contributions that examine how ethical considerations influence strategic decision-making, particularly in the context of digital communication. Research employing SEM can provide valuable insights into the relationships between ethical practices, customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and financial performance. By integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical analyses, this track aims to foster dialogue on the need to embed ethics in business education and practice. Case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of ethical decision-making and its consequences will be highlighted. This track seeks to engage academics, industry practitioners, and emerging researchers in a collaborative discussion, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the ethical implications of technology and business in today’s interconnected world. Participants will have the opportunity to present their findings, share experiences and explore new methodologies in the field of business ethics.
11. AI, social networks and their influence on youth
This track explores the ethical implications of deploying AI on social media platforms primarily used by young people. As AI increasingly shapes young people’s online experiences, it is crucial to examine the ethical considerations, potential impacts, and necessary safeguards. We seek papers that address the complex interplay between AI technologies, ethical frameworks, social media platforms, learning tools, and youth well-being. This track aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, ethicists, AI developers, social scientists, policymakers, educators, and youth advocates. We welcome submissions on topics that include, but are not limited to: 1) Ethical considerations in AI-driven content curation for young users; 2) Privacy and data protection challenges in AI-driven youth-oriented social media; 3) The impact of AI algorithms on youth mental health and development; 4) Designing ethically aligned AI for youth-centric social platforms; 5) Ethical implications of AI-enhanced targeted advertising for young users; 6) Transparency and explainability of AI systems in youth-focused social networks; 7) AI, social networks and their influence on youth civic engagement and political participation; 8) Ethical frameworks for AI development on platforms primarily used by young people; and 9) Social networks and AI tools to facilitate learning and knowledge sharing.
Committees
Conference Directors
Mario Marques da Silva, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Mario Oliva, Complutense University of Madrid
Isabel Alvarez, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Adrian-Horia Dediu, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Nuno Silva, Lusiada University of Lisbon
Program Coordinators
Kiyoshi Murata, Meiji University, Japan
Mario Oliva, Complutense University of Madrid
Shalini Kesar, Southern Utah University, USA
Orlando Lima Rua, Porto Polytechnic, Portugal
Presidency of the Organizing Committee
Reginaldo de Almeida, Vice President of Autonomous University of Lisbon
Mário Marques da Silva, Director of the Faculty of ICT
Mario Arias-Oliva, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Isabel Alvarez, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Adrian-Horia Dediu, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Nuno Silva, Lusiada University of Lisbon
Kiyoshi Murata, Meiji University, Japan
Organizing Committee
Inês Esteves, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa
Manuel Serejo, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Cristina Dias, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Pedro Santos, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Ana Trindade, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Diogo Trindade, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Scientific Committee
Adrian-Horia Dediu, Autonomous University of Lisbon
Antonio Fernández Portillo, University of Extremadura, Spain
Antonio Marturano, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
Ana María Lara-Palma, University of Burgos, Spain
Alba García Milon, University of La Rioja, Spain
Alejandro Cataldo, University of Talca, Chile
Alicia Blanco, Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain
Alicia Izquierdo-Yusta, University of Burgos, Spain
Camilo Prado Roman, King Juan Carlos University, Spain
Cristina Olarte Pascual, University of La Rioja, Spain
David Cordon Benito, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Don Gotternbarn, Professor Emeritus, East Tennessee State University, USA
Emma Juaneda Ayensa, University of La Rioja, Spain
Gonçalo Valadao Matias, Autonomous University of Lisbon, Portugal
Graciela Padilla Castillo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Guadalupe Manzano-García, University of La Rioja, Spain
Isabel Alvarez, Autonomous University of Lisbon, Portugal
Jan Strohschein, Technische Hochschule Köln, Germany
Jani Koskinen, University of Turku, Finland
Jesús García de Madariaga Miranda, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Joaquin Sanchez Herrera, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Jorge Gallardo, Camilo José Cela University, Spain
Jorge Pelegrín-Borondo, University of La Rioja, Spain
Jose Antonio Fraiz Brea, University of Vigo, Spain
Juan Carlos Yañez Luna, Autonomous University of San Luis de Potosí, Mexico
Katleen Gabriels, Maastricht University, Netherlands
Kiyoshi Murata, Meiji University, Japan
Luis Blanco Pascual, University of La Rioja, Spain
Luis Valadares Tavares, Lusiad University of Lisbon, Portugal
Luz María Marín Vinuesa, La Rioja University, Spain
Maria del Pilar Martínez Ruiz, University of Castilla – La Mancha, Spain
Mario Arias-Oliva, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Mario Marques da Silva, Autonomous University of Lisbon, Portugal
Marty J. Wolf, Bemidji State University, USA
Nehme Khawly, University of Notre Dame, Lebanon
Nuno Silva, Lusiada University Autonomous University of San Luis de Potosí, Mexico
Ramon Alberto Carrasco González, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Rubén Fernández Ortiz, University of La Rioja, Spain
Ryoko Asai, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GermanySabina Szymoniak, Technical University of Czestochowa, Poland
Simon Rogerson, De Montfort University, UK
Shalini Kesar, Southern Utah University, USA
Sonia Carcelén García, Universidad Complutente de Madrid, Spain
Stéphanie Gauttier, Grenoble Ecole de Management, France
Teresa Pintado Blanco, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Ugo Pagallo, University of Turin, Italy
William M. Fleischman, Villanova University, USA
Yasunori Fukuta, Meiji University, Japan
Yohko Orito, Ehime University, Japan
Younes Karrouk, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Morocco
ETHICOMP Steering Committee
Ana Maria Lara, University of Burgos, Spain
Andrew Adams, Meiji University, Japan
Erica L. Neely, Ohio Northern University, USA
Jorge Pelegrín-Borondo, La Rioja University, Spain
Kai Kimppa, University of Turkku, Finland
Katleen Gabriels, Maastricht University, Netherlands
Kiyoshi Murata Meiji, University, Japan
Mario Arias-Oliva, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
Nuno Silva, Lusiada University, Portugal
Richard Volkman, Southern Connecticut State University, USA
Shalini Kesar, Southern Utah University, USA
Sabina Szymoniak, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland
Wilhelm EJ Klein, ICT Ethics Researcher, Hong Kong
Venue
ETHICOMP 2025 will take place in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
The venue will be the Palace of the Counts of Redondo, Autonomous University of Lisbon Luís de Camões.