Hermes Center for Transparency and Digital Human Rights

Description

Hermes Center for Transparency and Digital Human Rights is a non-profit association that defends digital human rights.

It believes technology should protect users rather than threaten them, and it works to safeguard privacy and freedom of expression online. The association was founded in 2012 by a group of programmers who wanted to build software supporting people threatened by surveillance. It created GlobaLeaks, a tool for anonymous online communication, and Ooni, which monitors online censorship levels in different countries.

Hermes Center supports the development and spread of technology that protects privacy and anonymity and enables online free expression, including tools for whistleblowing and investigative journalism. It organizes events, exhibitions, campaigns and courses on digital human rights, and it publishes research, analysis, open letters and appeals. It lobbies policymakers to stop dangerous and undemocratic digital practices such as biometric surveillance. It has joined international networks such as European Digital Rights, and it took part in campaigns including the ban on Clearview AI in Italy.

In 2024 it helped form the first Italian coalition of associations working on digital human rights, the Rete per i Diritti Umani Digitali. Its staff work in human rights research and training, computer programming, communication and journalism. The organization operates in Italy and internationally through its networks and projects.