Digitalcourage e.V.

Description

Digitalcourage e.V. is a German nonprofit association based in Bielefeld. It has campaigned for fundamental rights, data protection and a livable world in the digital age since 1987, when it was founded as FoeBuD e.V. It took its current name in 2012. Since 2000 it has presented the BigBrotherAwards, recognising privacy-invasive practices by companies, organisations and government bodies.

The association is financed through donations and membership fees, and relies heavily on volunteer work. It is led by a management team, including Rena Tangens as managing director and padeluun as artistic director. Its board comprises Dr. Thilo Weichert, Daniela Schlegel, Detlev Sieber, Christine Wittig and Hartmut Goebel. It is registered with the district court in Bielefeld.

Digitalcourage is a member of the Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft and publishes a regular transparency report on its finances. It positions itself as technology-friendly while opposing the collection and commercial exploitation of citizens’ data. It describes its mission as resisting the erosion of democracy through data harvesting and sale.