The digital world is complex. I can help you make sense of it.
As a digital technology researcher, communicator, and educator, I empower individuals, organizations, and communities to understand and navigate the technologies reshaping modern life.
I excel at making complex systems easy to understand—from social media and algorithms to artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics. I work with clients to enhance digital knowledge and capabilities, enabling informed leadership, creating cultures of trust, and building resilience.
When you work with me you get:
- Academic rigour combined with practical relevance
- Deep interdisciplinary expertise across law, policy, economics, media, and communication
- Clear, engaging communication for technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience working with government, industry, and civil society
- A trusted public voice on digital society issues
Background
I'm Chair of Discipline for Media & Communications at The University of Sydney and Editor-in-Chief of the Q1 journal Policy & Internet.
I completed my doctoral thesis under the supervision of Professor Brian Fitzgerald, a pioneer of internet law in Australia, and my postdoctoral research fellowship with Professor Nicolas Suzor, a global leader in platform governance studies. In addition to my PhD, I hold a Master of International Law and Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours, Political Economy).
For more about me visit LinkedIn → or my University of Sydney profile →
Big Tech Dynasties
Re-thinking the power, spectacle and downfall of Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon
Big Tech Dynasties (Bloomsbury, 2026) offers a new way of understanding the power of Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. The book argues that while each company may be a product of platform capitalism, they are also historically familiar.
Big Tech is familiar, because it is dynastic. And because it is dynastic, Big Tech is inherently undemocratic. Big Tech Dynasties considers how we arrived at this moment and the threat to democracy posed by concentrated private power. The book also explains how democracies are beginning—unevenly and imperfectly—to push back, drawing particular attention to Australia's emergence as an unlikely leader in democratic oversight of Big Tech.
Forthcoming 2026My research examines how digital platforms, algorithms, and emerging technologies shape power, governance, culture, and democracy.
I focus on how law, policy, design, and economic structures interact—and on how public-interest governance can respond to concentrated digital power, online harms, and automated systems. My work combines legal analysis, political economy, media studies, and empirical digital research, and is widely cited in academic, policy, and public debates.
Platform Governance & Digital Regulation
Examining regulatory frameworks, democratic oversight, and accountability mechanisms for digital platforms and concentrated tech power.
Artificial Intelligence & Automated Systems
Understanding the governance challenges posed by AI systems and developing public-interest approaches to algorithmic accountability.
Online Harms, Safety & Misinformation
Analyzing the causes and responses to online harms, with attention to platform design, content moderation, and regulatory interventions.
Virtual & Immersive Technologies
Exploring governance issues in VR/XR environments and the social implications of immersive digital spaces.
Digital Sovereignty & Infrastructure
Examining questions of national autonomy, digital infrastructure, and the geopolitics of technology governance.
Research & Writing
My research has been published in leading academic journals and reaches diverse audiences through policy briefs, media commentary, and public scholarship. I combine rigorous academic analysis with accessible communication to inform public debate and policy development.
For research publications visit Google Scholar →
For commentary visit The Conversation →
For general musings visit Medium →
Get in Touch
Get in touch via j.gray@sydney.edu.au