Who Gets Seen? Data, Power, and Inclusion in Digital Governance

As governments increasingly rely on data to deliver services, visibility becomes a condition for access, rights, and recognition. Yet data systems do not simply reflect reality. They shape it through categories, classifications, and design choices that can exclude or misrepresent complex lives.

This interactive workshop invites participants to explore how individuals are “seen” by public systems. In a small group setting, participants will map their own “data doubles”, identify what is missing or distorted, and reflect on how these systems affect trust and inclusion.

From migration, gender, governance, humanitarian contexts, and business, the session creates space for critical reflection and co-design. Participants will collaboratively redesign a data system to make marginalized groups more visible, while also questioning when visibility can create new challenges.

The session contributes to Creative Bureaucracy by rethinking how public systems can better reflect lived realities.