News & research

What's the latest in the field of civil society law and policy? Read our news and learn more about our analytical and research work!

Participation

Amsterdam's journey in participatory AI development

Case study on how the municipality, technical team and citizens worked together to develop responsible AI that genuinely serves public interest, piloting ECNL's Framework for Meaningful Engagement while doing so.

News

Tech and AI

Innovation thrives when rights come first: ECNL submission to UK parliamentary inquiry on AI

Closing regulatory gaps in AI is key to protecting the rights of individuals and communities it affects.

News

Tech and AI

Handbook on seven global digital governance processes

New explainer for civil society organisations on how they can navigate processes that shape our digital future and human rights.

Research

Tech and AI

How to make AI safe for democracy?

Read the key takeaways from our recent webinar, where we brought together experts from different sectors to explore how technology can be used responsibly and with respect for fundamental rights.

News

European policies

From promise to practice: ECNL reflections on the EU's Civil Society Strategy

How do we move the Strategy’s commitments from paper to real action? This blog points to the priorities and offers our experience to support implementation.

News

Tech and AI

Practical guidance on engaging with internet standardisation and governance bodies

This new resource walks you through the key entry points to the bodies that set the technical and policy rules governing how the internet works.

Research

UN Standards

How does digital and AI-driven surveillance impact assembly and association rights?

Read ECNL submission to UN Special Rapporteur HRC62 Thematic Report.

News

Tech and AI

Join us for the last two webinars of the Civic Journalism Coalition in 2025

ECNL, EDRi and Lighthouse Reports invite you to online workshops on the legal impact of investigations and best practices for collaboration between civil society and journalists.

News

Climate Action

New global initiative aims to place environmental defenders at the heart of climate decisions

ECNL and partners launched the LEAD initiative at COP30.

News