2026 IDeaS Conference
Annual IDeaS Conference
October 12-14, 2026
Carnegie Mellon University, Gates-Hillman Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Information Democracy & Social – cybersecurity (IDeaS) is hosting a conference focused on policy challenges emerging from the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
Advances in AI systems, shifts in platform governance, and the scale and speed of online communication are transforming how information is produced, distributed, and consumed. At the same time, online harms – including illegal, abusive, and deceptively manipulated content – are increasingly linked to offline social and economic outcomes, with significant implications for democratic institutions and communities. This conference asks: How are AI systems and platforms governed today? Who is responsible for mitigating digital harms? What policy frameworks can balance innovation, accountability, and public trust?
IDeaS will bring together academics, policymakers, industry practitioners, and civil society leaders to evaluate the state of the field, identify gaps in current approaches, and share insights to inform future research and policy. Participants will engage with topics such as AI governance, platform regulation, online harms policy, and the realworld impacts of digital systems.
The conference will include: invited panels, regular talks, and posters. There will also be an opportunity for those interested in demoing their technologies or proposed policies. Teams are invited to submit their proposed solutions to a timely policy challenge concerning AI overviews in web search results. Submissions should be uploaded via EasyChair by August 21st, 2026.
Registration
Participants and presenters can attend virtually or in-person at Carnegie Mellon University. Registration is now open in RegPack .
Virtual participants may attend live-streamed talks via a Zoom link; however, these sessions will not be recorded for later viewing. Virtual attendees are not eligible to participate in poster sessions or challenge events. Participants may attend tutorials, provided they have registered and completed payment for each tutorial they wish to attend.
Register by going to the 2026 IDeaS Conference registration page. Any requests for registration discounts or exceptions should be directed to Prof. Kathleen Carley (kathleen.carley@cs.cmu.edu) for consideration and approval.
Registration Fees (USD)**
Virtual and In-person Registration:
- General Early Bird Registration: $400.00* / General Registration: $500.00**
- Student Early Bird Registration: $300.00* / Student Registration: $400.00**
*Early registration ends September 11, 2026 at 11:59PM US Eastern.
**Regular registration starts September 12, 2026 at 12:00AM US Eastern.
2026 IDeaS Challenge Problem
Addressing Accuracy, Misinformation, and User Understanding in Synthesized Search Results IDeaS Call for PapersConference Agenda
The conference agenda will be posted on the SBP-BRiMS website once it becomes available.Keynote speakers for 2026 to be announced. The IDeaS Conference is co-located at Carnegie Mellon University along with the annual SBP-BRiMS Conference in the Gates & Hillman Centers. Sessions scheduled for both conferences will be available to participants from both conferences. More information will be distributed to participants and presenters on locations.
Logistics Information
Hotel Accommodations
A courtesy room block has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place for attendees participating in person. To take advantage of the group rate, please make your reservation using the booking link below.
Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place
If you prefer to stay elsewhere, Carnegie Mellon University is conveniently located near a variety of hotels offering amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and shuttle service to and from campus. Visitors can make a reservation with a local hotel for their visit. Many area hotels also offer discounted rates for Carnegie Mellon visitors, so be sure to ask about any CMU special rates when making your reservation.
Campus & Parking
For details on visiting Carnegie Mellon University, including parking options and campus maps, please refer to the CMU Visitor Information page:
https://www.cmu.edu/visit/visitor-information
Food and Refreshments
Lunch will be provided each day of the conference, along with coffee, water, and soft drinks.
Following Monday's sessions, we will host a welcome reception featuring a poster session presented by graduate students from the CASOS and IDeaS Centers.
Please be sure to indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions during registration so we can accommodate your needs.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at centerforideas@andrew.cmu.edu.
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