GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 2002
Ownership
netzpolitik.org is a non-profit digital-rights news site founded in 2002 by Markus Beckedahl, who led it until 2022; it is now run by co-editors-in-chief Anna Biselli and Daniel Leisegang. It is organised as a non-profit registered association (eingetragener Verein) and is not owned by any media group, company or investor.
Funding
It is financed almost entirely by reader donations (its budget passed roughly one million euros), deliberately avoiding advertising and paywalls to preserve independence; it takes no party or state funding.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it advocates for digital civil liberties, privacy and transparency, a stance that reads as progressive/centre-left, but it is reader-funded and association-run with no party, corporate or state owner. That independent, donor-supported structure makes it INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's INDEPENDENT type and CENTER_LEFT lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 117
75/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
118
Articles
118
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Churches, mosques, synagogues: data traffickers are endangering the faithful in Germany
netzpolitik.org reports that over one million location data points of religious sites in Germany, Christian churches, Jewish synagogues, and Muslim mosques, are being sold by data brokers. These datasets, initially shared as previews for subscriptions, reveal precise movement patterns of individuals visiting these places. The data includes locations such as the University Church of St. Nikolai in Göttingen and the headquarters of major religious organizations like the German Bishops' Conference and the Central Council of Jews. Experts warn that this easy access to sensitive information poses risks of discrimination and religiously motivated violence, with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution noting increased danger for already vulnerable groups. Religious representatives call for stronger protection and an end to the trade of such data.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Board: operating in the grey area
The presidents of Germany's federal intelligence agencies requested significantly more powers during a parliamentary oversight hearing in the Bundestag, arguing that they need to operate 'on equal footing' with other services due to new security threats and technological developments. The discussion focused on Russia's alleged 'shadow war' against Germany, political extremism, and upcoming reforms to the intelligence services. While the three agency heads were largely unchallenged in their arguments for expanded authority, the session was described as relatively uncritical. The hearing highlighted concerns over balancing national security with fundamental rights, though these issues were downplayed. The debate comes amid ongoing discussions about modernizing intelligence capabilities, including the ability to hack and use advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
Freedom of information in Brandenburg: the mockery of transparency
The article discusses concerns over the further restriction of freedom of information in Brandenburg, Germany. The Interior Minister has announced plans to limit access to public records even more than previously known, which critics argue undermines democratic principles. Brandenburg was once a pioneer in transparency, having enacted the Act on Access to Documents and Information (AIG) in 1998, granting citizens constitutional rights to inspect state documents. However, recent developments suggest a shift away from this commitment, with the minister citing protection of critical infrastructure as justification. This move would effectively prevent citizens from querying police departments under the AIG, claiming that 90% of requests involve sensitive data. Critics view this as a deliberate attempt to reduce public oversight of law enforcement, equating bureaucratic streamlining with erosion of democracy.
Affected across Europe: At least 147 MEPs have been targeted by sexualized deepfakes
A new study by the Berlin-based think tank Agora Digitale Transformation reveals that at least 147 members of national parliaments across the European Union have been targeted by sexualized deepfakes. The research, funded by the Stiftung Mercator, found that 119 members of the European Parliament are urging the EU Commission and member states for stricter measures against this form of non-consensual content creation. Researchers examined known deepfake websites and identified 38 cases where fake sexualized images or videos of politicians were directly available. They also searched for traces of previously removed content and tools that enable the creation of such material. Overall, they concluded that 147 parliamentarians from 22 EU countries had become victims of non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes. The study highlights that women are disproportionately affected, with 138 female and nine male MPs identified. Austrian MEP Lena Schilling, a Green Party representative, was also among those targeted. She stated that AI technology exacerbates violence against women and called for protective political decisions. The report also notes that existing laws in some countries have not deter
Mental illness law in NRW: data for deportation
A new law in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, aims to provide more information to police and immigration authorities about individuals admitted to psychiatric clinics, particularly those deemed a potential danger to others. The law would allow these authorities to better plan deportations while the person is still hospitalized. Critics, including organizations like the Free Welfare Association NRW (Freie Wohlfahrtspflege NRW), argue that this creates a dangerous narrative linking mental illness with violence and could lead to unjust treatment of patients. They emphasize that involuntary hospitalization under the Mental Health Act (PsychKG) is not a criminal sanction but a medical measure. The law has sparked significant debate among healthcare professionals, social services, and advocacy groups.
Negotiations on chat controls: EU states and Parliament still at odds
The EU continues to negotiate the controversial issue of 'chat control' under the CSA (Child Sexual Abuse) Regulation, with no agreement reached during recent trilogue talks between the Commission, Council, and Parliament. The debate centers on whether online platforms should be required to scan private, unencrypted chats for child sexual abuse material. While some points, such as handling publicly accessible content, have been resolved, major disagreements remain over mandatory scanning of private communications. Ireland proposed a voluntary, time-limited form of chat monitoring to be legally enshrined, but this faces opposition from both the European Parliament and member states. The original Commission proposal included scanning end-to-end encrypted messages, which has been rejected by national governments and lawmakers.
Memes: Elif Eralp jumps over the turnstile at Sanifair
The article discusses the media portrayal of Elif Eralp, the potential new left-wing mayor of Berlin, which has taken increasingly absurd forms. Social media users are mocking mainstream outlets like the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) for their campaign-style reporting on Eralp. The focus has shifted from other political issues, such as the potential right-wing government in Saxony-Anhalt, to the Left Party and its candidate. Users create memes humorously critiquing the media's exaggerated coverage, including fabricated scenarios of Eralp's alleged misdeeds. The article highlights the controversy around Eralp's past membership in the Red Aid organization, which the FAZ has used to label her as left-wing extremist. However, the Red Aid is described as a legitimate legal aid group with over 20,000 members, and the Landesverfassungsschutz acknowledges it as the largest left-wing extremist organization in Berlin. The article criticizes the media's approach as a 'witch hunt' and notes that the information about Eralp's membership was publicly available on her parliamentary profile.
Too big to fail: Irresponsible AI panic
The article discusses concerns over the unchecked power and influence of major AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, criticizing their commercialization of artificial intelligence and potential societal impact. It highlights how these firms have embedded themselves deeply into democratic societies and influence politicians, while warning of the risks associated with their rapid growth and lack of regulation. The piece references internal documents suggesting the industry’s exploitation of human labor and data, and draws parallels between current AI expansion and past financial crises due to insufficient oversight. The author calls for greater accountability and responsibility from these corporations.
Careless People: Eight Things I Learned from the Book of Revelation about Facebook
The article discusses Sarah Wynn-Williams' book 'Careless People,' which critiques Facebook's leadership and their impact on democracy and public discourse. Wynn-Williams, who worked at Facebook from 2011 to 2017, describes the company's focus on profit over ethical considerations and its attempts to influence global politics. The book highlights issues such as sexism, corporate greed, and Facebook's alleged efforts to manipulate politicians. Facebook has responded by calling the book 'a mix of outdated claims and false accusations,' and has taken legal action against Wynn-Williams to prevent her from promoting the book. The article presents these allegations without overtly endorsing them but frames them as significant revelations.
Doctors, activists and netizens: This intelligence reform affects us all
The article discusses a proposed intelligence services reform in Germany that extends surveillance powers beyond traditional threats like foreign adversaries and terrorism. It argues that the reform affects everyday citizens by potentially compromising medical confidentiality. The current debate in the Bundestag includes provisions that could allow intelligence agencies to access sensitive patient information during medical consultations. Critics, including representatives from the German Medical Association and mental health organizations, warn that this would undermine trust between patients and healthcare providers. They emphasize that the absolute confidentiality of medical discussions is essential for effective treatment and prevention of harm. The reform, which has been described as a major change in national security law, faces criticism for its broad scope and potential impact on civil liberties.
On the death of Bruno Kramm , a nut in the best sense of the word .
Bruno Kramm, ein Musiker und Netzaktivist bekannt für seine Arbeit im Bereich des Urheberrechts und seiner Beteiligung an Protesten, ist verstorben. Der Artikel betont seine Rolle als Mitglied der Band 'Das Ich' und seine Aktivitäten als Piraten-Mitglied, insbesondere im Kampf gegen GEMA, ACTA und TTIP. Kramm war bekannt für seine energische Unterstützung sozialer Bewegungen, insbesondere während der EU-Urheberrechtsrechtsreform 2019, wo er einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Mobilisierung von über 200.000 Demonstranten leistete. Der Artikel hebt seine Persönlichkeit hervor, beschreibt ihn als kreativ, freundlich und kämpferisch, und würdigt seine Leistungen im Kampf für ein freieres Internet und ein gerechteres Urheberrecht.
Malta v Lilith Wittmann: Court ruling strengthens freedom of expression and press
Lilith Wittmann, an IT security expert, obtained documents from Malta's gaming authority (MGA) regarding alleged illegal gambling activities and shared them with media and law enforcement. The MGA then sought an injunction against her, restricting her access to their data and preventing her from making certain public statements. A court ruling partially upheld the injunction by blocking her from accessing the MGA's web portal but allowed her to share documents with journalists and authorities and to express her views about the MGA's role in organized crime. Wittmann's research focuses on illegal gambling in Germany, particularly through platforms like Lottoland, which offer secondary lottery services that are prohibited under German law.
It 's still too quiet .
Anne Roth, eine ehemalige Netzaktivistin, berichtet über ihre Erfahrungen mit Überwachung und Repression durch staatliche Behörden in Deutschland. Sie gründete vor 19 Jahren einen Blog auf der unkommerziellen Blog-Plattform noblogs.org, die vom italienischen Tech-Kollektiv Autistici/Inventati (A/I) betrieben wird. Die US-Regierung hat das Kollektiv nun als terroristisches Unternehmen eingestuft, was zu Sanktionen führt und die Meinungsfreiheit sowie Internetfreiheit in anderen Ländern beeinträchtigt. Roth beschreibt, wie die Überwachung ihr Leben und die ihrer Mitbürger*innen beeinflusste und wie sie sich für eine freie und gleichberechtigte Gesellschaft einsetzte. Sie betont die Bedeutung von unabhängigen digitalen Räumen, in denen Menschen ohne Tracking kommunizieren können.