Fundacja Panoptykon

Description

Fundacja Panoptykon (the Panoptykon Foundation) is a Polish organisation based in Warsaw. It watches how the state and companies use information about people. It exposes abuses and campaigns for laws that protect freedom and privacy in the digital world. It works to help people live consciously in a digital society.

Its self-description states that it affects law, the practices of public institutions and companies, and public debate, through watchdog activities, advocacy, and education. The foundation’s core team includes specialists in advocacy and strategic litigation, legislative monitoring, and communications.

Its legal and litigation work covers precedent-setting court cases and advocacy on the regulation of internet platforms, freedom of expression, and the right to privacy online. One specialist previously ran the Observatory of Media Freedom in Poland at the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights. Another staff member monitors the legislative process and advocacy concerning state surveillance and the security services, prepares legal analyses, and brings court cases seeking oversight of surveillance. He also hosts the Panoptykon 4.0 podcast.

The co-founder and president leads the foundation’s strategy and coordinates advocacy for better regulation of technology companies in Poland and the European Union. A managing director oversees organisational management and finances. Panoptykon does not provide individual legal advice.

It relies substantially on financial support from private donors, including through Poland’s 1.5 percent tax-designation scheme, which it says helps it remain independent while campaigning for freedom and privacy in the digital world. The foundation is registered in Warsaw under Poland’s national court register.