Applications are now open for the Digital Freedom Fund Program to support strategic litigation on digital rights in Europe that contributes to advancing human rights in the digital context.

Focus Areas

They are particularly interested in receiving applications for strategic cases that:

• Advance individuals' ability to exercise their right to privacy: Examples are cases that:
  • Protect and safeguard individuals against unjustified government surveillance
  • Clarify the scope of protection of personal data under the GDPR
  • Enforce consumers' rights in relation to the unauthorized collection and sharing of personal data
• Protect and promote the free flow of information online: Examples are cases that:
  • Challenge the unjustified blocking, filtering and removal of online content, platforms or services
  • Ensure that online content is protected against the illegitimate use of copyright claims
  • Ensure that net neutrality and the principle of equal access to the internet is promoted and respected in practice
• Ensure accountability, transparency and the adherence to human rights standards in the use and design of technology: Examples are cases that:
  • Ensure the respect for human rights in the application of technology by law enforcement, such as in the context of predictive policing
  • Maximize transparency in algorithmic decision making and profiling by government and private actors
  • Set standards to protect individuals against the discriminatory use of technology

Types of Grants

You can submit applications for two types of activities:

• Litigation track support: Support for litigation of a case through multiple instances, from first instance through to the final appeal. Example: a challenge before the European Court of Human Rights against police use of facial recognition technology
• Pre-litigation research: Support for activities to prepare for litigation. This could include legal research, evidence gathering, forum selection or identifying claimants and project partners. Example: a comparative study between three EU jurisdictions to determine which one offers the best options to address a specific issue under an EU Directive.

Funding Information

DFF rarely provides grants of more than EUR 100,000.

Eligibility Criteria

DFF will consider applications from any organization or individual seeking to protect and advance digital rights in Europe. Examples include NGOs and other entities that pursue a public interest objective, pro bono lawyers, and other litigators seeking to protect and advance digital rights in Europe. DFF accepts grant applications concerning all Council of Europe Member States.

For more information, visit Digital Freedom Fund.