Open Forum on Arts, Science & Technology: Invisible Voice

Over the past seven decades, the integration of science, technology, arts, and society has significantly transformed, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration. Invisible Voice, an innovative digital arts and research project, exemplifies this evolution through a browser extension, mobile app, and interactive public art installation. Developed with extensive European Commission support, including multiple Horizon grants and a current (January - December 2024) S+T+ARTS in the City residency in Barcelona with HacTe and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Invisible Voice aims to reshape societal narratives by uniting individuals around shared causes and providing infrastructure to exert pressure on political and media entities. The project is not yet public and is set to launch in September 2024.

We see data as empowering to those in possession of it. This research project at its core validates these concerns, effectively asking: in a world in which data works for everyone, what do they do with it? Invisible Voice empowers users by leveraging data from over 37 open-access datasets to offer insights into companies' ethical practices, encouraging users to align their online activities with their values. The browser plugin integrates seamlessly into participants' browsing habits, offering a dashboard of scores related to political bias, lobbying, environmental sustainability, human rights issues, ownership structure, and corporate responsibility. This allows users to express their political views by boycotting, endorsing, voting, commenting directly on the webpage, or switching to a suggested alternative website. With privacy preservation at its core, Invisible Voice aims to repurpose online advertising methodologies for meaningful social impact rather than profit. Through user interaction, it will identify localised communities around specific causes and facilitates participation, effectively turning data into action.

The mobile app functions similarly to the browser plugin but adds the capability to scan products, logos, or barcodes, providing detailed information about the product’s materials, ingredients, packaging, transportation, and broader company data. This functionality enhances users' ability to make informed decisions aligned with their ethical values.

The interactive public art installation features an advertising board equipped with custom sensor technology. When an audience member approaches, the sensor triggers an analysis to identify brands the person is wearing or carrying. These brands are cross-referenced with the Invisible Voice database, displaying relevant images and (controversial) news article headlines on the screen to create a subvertising effect. This setup not only educates but also encourages active public participation by revealing the social and environmental impacts of consumer brands. As viewers approach, the installation displays detailed data about the companies, including environmental impacts, corporate accountability, lobbying, and financial conduct, along with a network graph showing links to other companies and individuals. This dynamic interaction transforms passive observation into an engaging pedagogical experience.

Invisible Voice’s integration of art, technology, and societal impact serves as a unique case study for assessing interdisciplinary contributions. The project addresses social, ethical, and legal challenges, fostering community development and sustainable innovation. Methodologies and frameworks from Invisible Voice contribute to discussions on epistemological foundations and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for future research.

By engaging diverse participants and facilitating active participation, Invisible Voice turns data into action, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful digital tool.