Imagine a world without privacy. A world where every email is read. Every website visited is recorded. That is what Bits of Freedom fights against.
Bits of Freedom stands here as a beacon of digital rights. It defends freedom of communication. It also defends privacy on the internet. This Dutch foundation started its mission in 2000.
But there was a break. Due to funding issues it stopped between 2006 and 2009. But it came back stronger. The Internet4All Foundation provided funding.
Bits of Freedom believes in an open and just society. People should hold power accountable. They should question the status quo. The foundation works towards this vision. It uses advocacy. It uses campaigning. And it uses litigation. It operates in the Netherlands and Brussels.
Our societies are becoming more digital. This brings great risks. Technology can limit people’s freedom. It can limit their ability to shape their lives. Governments surveil us. Big tech corporations abuse our vulnerabilities. They manipulate our world view. Data is used carelessly. This leads to discrimination.
Two rights are key to protecting us. Freedom of communication is one. Privacy is the other. They are essential for realizing the internet’s potential. Bits of Freedom advances these rights.
The foundation influences legislation and policy. It researches new laws. It researches new technologies. It asks what the impact is on people. Do developments benefit our rights? Or do they pose a threat? Bits of Freedom turns these insights into action. It gives policy advice. It launches campaigns. It raises awareness. And it pursues legal action.
Bits of Freedom has unique legal and technical expertise. It creatively uses research. It uses advocacy. It uses campaigning. And it uses legal action. The foundation is a founding member of European Digital Rights. This supports work in Brussels. It contributes to the European digital rights network.
The organization has staff members and volunteers. It has a board and an advisory council. Thousands of donors support Bits of Freedom. These include companies and private foundations. The foundation does not accept money from governments. This ensures its independence.
Bits of Freedom works within four programs. These are freedom of communication, data justice, state surveillance, and awareness and action.
Freedom of communication is vital. The current online ecosystem is flawed. A few platforms are too dominant. Tracking-based advertising is closely interwoven. This frustrates civil society. It limits the ability to hold power accountable. It also limits bold alternatives.
Data justice is essential. Careless use of data can reinforce inequality. It can compromise legal certainty. Strong regulation can protect people.
Government surveillance must be targeted. It must be predictable. It needs strong oversight and safeguards.
Bits of Freedom strengthens understanding of technology. It bolsters civil society’s ability to respond.
Bits of Freedom operates a clear privacy policy. This applies to all its activities. It applies to its websites. And it applies to its mailing lists. There are no additional terms and conditions.
The foundation uses Matomo for website usage statistics. This open-source platform tracks website use. It uses analytical cookies. These measures enhance privacy.
Bits of Freedom defends our digital rights. It strives for an open and just society. Remember its mission as you navigate the digital world.