CDT Europe
CDT Europe advocates for the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights in European tech law and policy.
We work closely on key legislation in the European Union which regulates the online space, how people interact with it and how it impacts their rights.
Through our expertise and technical knowledge, as well as our familiarity with the EU institutions and other relevant bodies, we work to come up with practical solutions to help shape a digital world which respects fundamental rights.
We form broad coalitions with civil society which aim to raise the voices of those most likely to be impacted by the tech policy we work on, taking an inclusive, intersectional approach.
From Export Control to Unknown Exports: How the EU’s Dual-Use Regime Falls Short on Tackling Spyware
This report examines how the EU’s Dual-Use Regulation is enforced across four Member States and assesses whether it adequately addresses the human rights risks linked to spyware exports. Our findings reveal major gaps in oversight, transparency and enforcement, leaving the EU ill-equipped to curb spyware proliferation or protect those most at risk.
CDT Europe’s Work on TFGBV
CDT Europe’s work on combatting the proliferation of tech-facilitated gender-based violence is rooted in our work on protecting free expression and in tackling online harms that disproportionately impact minoritised groups. Through the work of our Online Expression & Civic Space programme, we advocate for a rights-based, feminist, and intersectional approach to online safety.
What We Work On
Online Expression and Civic Space Programme
The programme is dedicated to platform governance and content moderation. Within this work we place a special emphasis on addressing tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) while respecting freedom of expression.
Equity and Data Programme
The programme advocates for new technologies to be developed, deployed and governed in ways that protect individuals and communities.
Security, Surveillance and Human Rights Programme
The programme advocates for strong privacy safeguards to protect personal information and private communications from unwarranted surveillance, ensure government accountability, and promote strong encryption technologies.
How We Work
CDT Europe Staff
Meet our Brussels-based staff.
CDT Europe Board
The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe’s governing body.
CDT Europe Financials
More information on Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe’s financials.
CDT Europe Advisory Council
The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe’s Advisory Council.
Equality and Participation
At CDT Europe, we work to increase equality, amplify voices, and promote human rights in European level law and policy debates. We champion policies, laws, and technical designs that protect against invasive, discriminatory, and exploitative uses of new technologies. We use our in-depth tech policy knowledge to build capacity and, in turn, learn from other civil society partners on issues such as discriminatory impact of algorithms and participation in online debates.
Platform Accountability
CDT Europe is closely following European-level legislative files such as the Digital Services Act. In our interventions, CDT Europe insists that online platforms be transparent, accountable, and respect human rights. We also advocate that regulation should set limits on the collection and use of personal information and give people greater control. Our work also focuses on curtailing government censorship and enabling all people to access and share information of their choosing without harassment or undue interference.
Freedom from Government Surveillance
CDT Europe also works at the European-level to ensure that people are free from unwarranted surveillance. In line with international human rights law standards, we advocate that government surveillance should have strict, independent oversight and checks against bias. We also believe that the European Union and its Member States should play a positive role in global debates on better protections against such surveillance, in line with the EU’s own human rights foreign policy.
Questions?
For general inquiries, please email us at [email protected].
For press inquiries, please email us at [email protected].
📍 CDT Europe
Avenue des Arts 11,
1210 Brussels, Belgium
