The Annual International Summer School 2024 on Platforms and Democracy, organised jointly with the Hans-Bredow Institut, University of Hamburg, the Institute for Technology and Society of Rio De Janeiro (ITS Rio) concluded with a Keynote Address by Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Sitting Judge, High Court of Delhi. The Address was attended by the participants of the Summer School, faculty from Germany, Brazil and India, policy researchers, independent policy professionals, industry representatives, academics, and members of civil society organisations. 

The Keynote Address delved into the power of private platforms to shape democratic discourse. Justice Shakdher explained the numerous ways in which the Indian judiciary has attempted to understand emerging issues related to the regulation of online platforms which have been presented for adjudication, and the challenges in that process. 

Justice Shakdher also focused on the cross-cultural nature of issues relating to platform regulation, and more broadly, free speech. He highlighted the need for multistakeholderism in formulating regulation on platforms, and suggested that an independent oversight board be set up, to provide sufficient representation to all the relevant stakeholders. 

The Keynote Address concluded with a twenty-five minute interactive Q&A session with the audience and participants of the Summer School.