“Social trust” is a term that scholars use to describe the cooperation that forms the basis for social interaction; it requires the perception of honesty, consistency and fairness, among other things. Many of the transactions and interactions that require social trust today have moved online, yet the Internet is increasingly beset with sophisticated hazards — like spam, identity theft and fraud — that undermine trust.

Technologists want to solve the problem with more invasive technologies. Similarly, governments want expanded surveillance privileges. Both solutions are counter-social and anti-democratic. Many disciplines have studied processes that support and protect social trust in the physical world; the goal of Social Trust Online is to bring together scholars and stakeholders to codify, develop and promote the best possible alternatives.

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