(Re)capturing AI: Governing generative search engines in the Nordic countries
This project examines how generative search engines influence media pluralism, democratic discourse, and digital sovereignty in the Nordic region. Generative search engines – AI-based services that produce direct, synthesized responses to user queries – are rapidly transforming how people search for and access news and information.
Principal Investigator: Cornelia Brantner (Karlstad University)
Participating researchers: Rasmus Helles (University of Copenhagen), Mikko Villi (University of Jyväskylä), Minna Koivula (University of Jyväskylä), Elina Lindgren (Karlstad University), Helle Sjøvaag (University of Stavanger), Raul Ferrer-Conill (University of Stavanger, Karlstad University), Michael Karlsson (Karlstad University)
Funder: NordForsk
Project period: 2026–2029
Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the project analyzes how these technologies affect news distribution, the visibility of Nordic news sources, public trust in AI-generated content, and political learning. At the same time, it investigates the risks associated with these technologies, including limited transparency, unclear accountability, reduced information diversity, and the spread of misinformation. By combining analyses of AI systems, interviews, surveys, and policy analysis, the project aims to generate knowledge on how generative AI can be governed in line with Nordic democratic values.
Contact person: Elina Lindgren elina.lindgren@kau.se