The Public Thinker and the Private Platform: Why Habermas Said No

When even Europe’s greatest thinkers can be co-opted without consent, it’s clear the digital future needs defending. “Habermas vs. Google,” a new investigation published in Süddeutsche Zeitung, reveals how DeepMind attempted to launch an AI project using Jürgen Habermas’s name—without his approval or involvement.

Habermas is one of Europe’s most influential living philosophers. He is best known for his work on democracy, the public sphere, and communicative reason. Yet this isn’t just about one philosopher. It’s a sharp reminder of why Europe must lead in shaping digital spaces that protect dignity, democracy, and the public good. At the European Cultural Foundation, we believe Europe can build a digital sphere where transparency, consent, and community values are not exceptions—but the standard.

This story echoes the concerns raised by partners like the Council for European Public Space and reflects the urgency behind initiatives such as Display Europe. Together, we are working toward a digital environment grounded in openness, ethics, and democratic participation.

“Habermas vs. Google” shows why action matters now—and why a better, more public digital Europe is not just necessary, but possible.

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Photo: Jürgen Habermas © J. Sassier (Source: En attendant Nadeau)