Digital Citizenship in the European Union: Ethical and Policy Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

This thesis explores the intersection of AI and digital citizenship within the European Union (EU), namely the policy and ethical concerns arising from this dynamic space. The study provides a critical analysis of the impact of AI-driven technologies on the rights, privacy, and participation of citizens in the digital space, and the EU's regulatory responses, including the AI Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant frameworks. The research highlights significant moral concerns such as algorithmic prejudice, data privacy, transparency, and commodification of personal information that undermine democratic engagement and inherent rights. Further, it considers critically the effect of EU institutions in shaping digital citizenship through policymaking mechanisms which attempt to match technological advancement with protection of human rights. EU initiative case studies such as the Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition provide examples of existing activity to encourage responsible digital participation. Ultimately, this thesis argues that while the EU has made significant strides towards embracing digital citizenship in the age of AI, there remains much to be desired in inclusivity, equity, and accountability. Through the analysis of both the legal and ethical dimensions, this research contributes to the broader debate on AI governance and digital rights, demanding a more citizen-centric approach to digital policymaking in the EU.