Clause Out is an innovative Danish tech company with the ambition to improve the state of democracy.
With inspiration from both the Danish citizens’ proposal and Benjamin Schenkel’s experiences from the USA, Clause Out aims to make politics accessible, engaging and relevant for citizens – both in Denmark and internationally.
A response to global democratic challenges
At a time when misinformation and a lack of transparency undermine trust in political systems, Clause Out offers a solution that makes it easy and fun for citizens to follow political decisions and participate actively.
– I was inspired to create Clause Out because of the growing global problems of lack of access to reliable information and meaningful opportunities to participate in democracy. We want to give citizens the tools to decide on the important political issues and ensure that their voice is heard.
Algorithms, gamification and democracy
Benjamin Schenkel, founder of Clause Out
Clause Out uses algorithms to adapt political content to the individual user’s interests, while the platform ensures that citizens are exposed to alternative topics and viewpoints to avoid echo chambers. In addition, the platform introduces elements of “gamification”, where political participation is made more exciting and engaging.
– We want to break down the fear of touch around politics, explains Benjamin Schenkel, who found inspiration during his activism at home at the same time that he returned to the USA to get an MBA from the University of Chicago.
Benjamin elaborated on these concepts in a talk at Harvard University on October 28, where he talked about political engagement and using your voice.
A platform for citizens’ interests
With Clause Out users can access an overview of legislative proposals, vote on them anonymously and get in-depth information that enables them to make informed choices. The platform is inspired by the Danish citizens’ proposal, but with an interactive approach that enables citizens to take a more active role in the political landscape.
– We want to strengthen the citizens’ opportunity to take a stand and feel that they have a real influence on the decision-making processes, says Benjamin Schenkel.
The fight against corporate influence and lobbying
A central ambition for Clause Out is to create transparency around the influence large companies have on politics. Benjamin wants to ensure that it is not only the deepest pockets and most extreme voices that have access to politicians and power.
– We fight for the good arguments and the ethical principles, not for those with the biggest wallets, says Benjamin Schenkel.
Global engagement and democratization
Clause Out has great ambitions to expand its reach and promote democratization across national borders. The platform creates a space where people can meet, debate and collaborate to solve global problems.
– We want to bring citizens together and create dialogue across borders. In the long term, Clause Out wants to educate new generations on how they can participate actively in democracy, says Benjamin Schenkel.
About Clause Out
Clause Out is a new democratic platform created by Benjamin Schenkel that combines algorithm-based content, gamification and transparency in politics. The platform gives citizens the opportunity to actively engage in political decisions, take a position on legislative proposals and participate in debates. The aim is to promote citizen participation, level corporate influence and create a global network of politically engaged citizens. The platform has been in beta mode since April, but will be launched in January 2025.
Source: it-kanalen.dk
