OII | Impact

The Oxford Internet Institute (OII)’s research has demonstrably shaped global policy, transformed industry practices, and informed public understanding of digital technologies. From bias-detection tools adopted by major tech companies to evidence that has improved working conditions in the gig economy, our research helps create a digital future that works for people and society.

Research excellence

In the UK’s national assessment of research quality (REF 2021), the University of Oxford achieved the highest volume of world-leading research.

As a multidisciplinary institute, the OII contributed research to 11 assessment units, spanning disciplines from computer science to sociology, including eight research impact case studies.

Our submissions demonstrated how interdisciplinary research at OII translates into significant social, policy, and economic benefits. You can read some of our featured impact case studies below.

Policy and practice

OII research frequently informs government policy, corporate strategy, and regulatory debates. Our findings are cited in policy papers, presented to parliamentary groups, and featured at global events. For example:

AI and work

Professor Carl-Benedikt Frey’s work on automation, labour markets, and data regulation has shaped policy discussions across Europe. His research has been featured in VoxEU, Project Syndicate, and reports by Citi Global Insights and the Tony Blair Institute, and cited by the World Bank, IMF, and World Economic Forum.

AI, government, and policy

Professor Chris Russell researches algorithmic fairness and legal accountability in AI. His work, published in Royal Society Open Science and featured in Nature and New Scientist, has influenced ethical frameworks and tools used by public institutions, including the NHS Clinical AI Fellowship.

Ethical AI and law

Professors Sandra Wachter and Brent Mittelstadt have influenced policy and business practices through their work on AI explainability and algorithmic bias. Their methods have been cited by the UK Government, European Commission, and adopted by Google, Vodafone, IBM, and Accenture.

AI bias and fairness

Professors Brent Mittelstadt, Chris Russell and Sandra Wachter created an AI bias and fairness test (‘Conditional Demographic Disparity’, CDD) that has been implemented in industry-standard auditing tools from IBM and Amazon. In 2024, Algorithm Audit used CDD to uncover systemic discrimination in educational AI in the Netherlands, leading to a formal apology from the Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science.

Social networks.
Associate Professor Bernie Hogan was a part of the Network Canvas Team, whose software Network Canvas won the biannual Richards Award for best software from the International Network of Social Network Analysts. This free and open source software has helped medical researchers, social scientists, and demographers to conduct high-quality and highly engaging interviews that focus on social relationships and their connections.

Impact case studies

Fairer gig work

With gig work rapidly expanding, how can research help make the platform economy fairer for workers?

Unlocking innovation through data access

How data concentration by dominant digital firms affects competition and innovation.

Teens and screens

The challenge: is screen time really harmful?

Engaging the public

The Oxford Internet Institute actively engages with media to bring its research and insights to a wide public audience. Through press releases, interviews, expert analysis and comment, OII researchers contribute to national and international news outlets, helping to shape informed conversations on the social, political, and economic aspects of digital technologies. This media engagement encourages public understanding and debate on issues of interest such as job displacement, parenting and social media, gaming and wellbeing, chatbots and mental health, policing and surveillance, privacy and data use, and appropriate regulation.

See the latest media coverage listed on our website.

Privacy and digital rights

The Oxford Internet Surveys (OxIS) have revealed how people in Britain experience online privacy and digital inequality. Our research has supported public debate and policy development on digital rights, surveillance, and ethical data use.

Public debate on AI

Former OII DPhil student and now Research Associate, Dr Felix M. Simon, conducted research on AI, information, and democracy, leading to several public-facing events exploring how AI affects democracy and media, including symposia bringing together journalists, academics, policymakers, and citizens to debate critical issues at the intersection of technology and society.

Impact awards

Several of our faculty have been publicly recognised for the impact of their research, including:

Professor Mark Graham and the Fairwork team were recognised in the 2025 Social Sciences Impact Awards. The team was highly commended in the “Scaling & Sustaining Impact” category for their commitment to generating pro-worker change in the digital economy through the Fairwork project.
Professor Mark Graham and The Fairwork Foundation were Highly Commended in the ESRC IAA O²RB Excellence in Impact Awards 2021, for significant impact on corporate and government policies leading to improved working conditions for workers in the gig economy around the world.
Professor Sandra Wachter and Dr Brent Mittelstadt were Highly Commended in the ESRC IAA O²RB Excellence in Impact Awards 2021 for their significant international impact on law, policy and business practice around the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.

Digital leadership

Our graduates go on to shape tech policy, consulting, and research around the world. Their diverse career trajectories reflect the OII’s success in preparing digital leaders who bridge disciplines, translate research into practice, and drive innovation across sectors.

Destinations of our alumni include:

International organisations and development: United Nations, OECD, European Commission, World Bank
National governments and regulators: UK Department for Science & Innovation, Ofcom, Financial Conduct Authority
Nonprofits and civil society: 5Rights Foundation, Mozilla
Academia and research: Cambridge University, LSE, BBC Research
Think tanks and policy institutes: Tony Blair Institute, Chatham House
Big tech: LinkedIn, Microsoft, Meta, Google, TikTok, Spotify
Consulting and professional services: McKinsey, Deloitte, Accenture
Startups and social enterprises: African Olympiad Academy, Redecentralize