Panoptykon Foundation is the only CSOin Poland tackling the violation of human rights in the age of new technology development. As a watchdog it observes the state institutions and private enterprises – verifies how they use information about people, uncovers abuses, and advocates for regulations protecting freedom and privacy.
Panoptykon contributed to stopping a number of dangerous legislative proposals, i.a. creation of a registry of banned websites and services (2010), introduction of a ban on face covering during public gatherings (2010-11), development of CCTV systems in schools and ‘total monitoring’ in the city of Krakow (2019-20), general examination private wealth (2017-18), creation of the ‘Free Speech Council’ under the so called ‘lex Ziobro’ framework (2021-22). It also succeeded in withdrawal of schematic profiling system of unemployed persons (2014-19). Panoptykon played a crucial role in advocating for protection of personal data in the European Union and in Poland. It also applies legal methods to limit the wrongdoing by Internet companies, i.a. arbitrary censorship on social media and surveillance-based advertising.
Thanks to the organisational grant, Panoptykon is going to strengthen its educational activity aimed at raising awareness and introducing challenges related to the development of new technologies to the public debate. The planned activities include i.a. creating the new website, increasing the attractiveness and accessibility of communication, strengthening the relationship with the media, increasing Panoptykon’s presence at public events and improving communication skills of the team members.
Panoptykon’s activity is addressed to people concerned with the implementation of new technologies by the state institutions and private companies, those interested in technologies’ impact on social life, experts (from legal, advertising, and IT fields), political decision-makers, public medium-level officials, business people, CSOs and the media.