Deadline: 28-May-2026
The Democracy’s Firewall Hackathon invites multidisciplinary teams to create innovative solutions to combat online disinformation while protecting democratic values and freedom of expression. The winning team receives €3,000, and selected participants attend an in-person event in Strasbourg with all expenses covered. The initiative focuses on scalable, human rights-aligned solutions that strengthen democratic resilience.
What is the Democracy’s Firewall Hackathon?
The Democracy’s Firewall Hackathon is an innovation challenge aimed at addressing the growing threat of online disinformation and its impact on democracy.
It is aligned with frameworks such as:
- New Democratic Pact
- Reykjavik Principles for Democracy
The hackathon is supported by institutions linked to the Council of Europe.
Core Objective
- Develop practical and scalable solutions to counter disinformation
- Protect freedom of expression and human rights
- Strengthen democratic systems and public trust
Key Focus Areas
Participants are encouraged to design solutions that address:
1. Countering Disinformation
- Detect and expose fake accounts and networks
- Identify and reduce misleading or harmful content
2. Transparency in Digital Platforms
- Improve content moderation systems
- Promote accountability and openness
3. Access to Reliable Information
- Expand access to trusted and diverse information sources
- Reduce information asymmetry
4. Public Awareness and Resilience
- Strengthen media literacy and critical thinking
- Help citizens identify and respond to disinformation
Understanding the Problem: Online Disinformation
Online disinformation:
- Spreads false or misleading information intentionally
- Erodes public trust in institutions
- Increases polarisation in society
- Influences elections and democratic processes
The hackathon seeks solutions that are:
- Ethical and rights-based
- Innovative and scalable
- Actionable in real-world contexts
Funding and Benefits
- Prize for winning team: €3,000
- Type: Innovation award and development support
Additional Benefits
- Invitation to Strasbourg for the final event
- Covered:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Meals
Who is Eligible?
Team Requirements
- Must be multidisciplinary teams
- Should include diverse skill sets (e.g., tech, policy, design)
- Encouraged to ensure gender diversity
Geographic Eligibility
- Participants must reside in Council of Europe member states
Ideal Participants
- Developers
- Researchers
- Policy experts
- Designers
- Civil society actors
What Types of Solutions Are Expected?
Strong proposals should:
- Address real disinformation challenges
- Be scalable and impactful
- Balance freedom of expression with regulation
- Align with human rights standards
Examples include:
- Tools to detect fake accounts
- Platforms for fact-checking
- Educational tools for media literacy
- Systems improving moderation transparency
How the Hackathon Works
Step 1: Form a Team
- Build a multidisciplinary group
- Ensure a mix of skills and perspectives
Step 2: Define the Problem
- Identify a specific disinformation issue
- Align it with hackathon themes
Step 3: Develop a Solution
- Create a prototype or concept
- Focus on usability and scalability
Step 4: Present Your Idea
- Clearly explain:
- Problem
- Solution
- Impact
Step 5: Final Selection
- Selected teams attend the event in Strasbourg
- Judges evaluate based on innovation, impact, and feasibility
Why This Hackathon Matters
This initiative addresses urgent global challenges:
- Protecting democratic integrity
- Combating digital misinformation
- Promoting informed public discourse
It creates a platform for:
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Public engagement in democracy
- Innovation in governance and technology
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring freedom of expression principles
- Proposing solutions that are not scalable
- Lack of clear problem definition
- Overly technical ideas without real-world application
- Weak team diversity or collaboration
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Focus on real-world usability
- Ensure ethical and human rights alignment
- Provide clear impact metrics
- Keep the solution simple and scalable
- Highlight team strengths and diversity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the prize for the winning team?
The winning team receives €3,000 to support further development of their solution.
2. Who can participate?
Individuals residing in Council of Europe member states, working in multidisciplinary teams.
3. Is travel covered for the final event?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, and meals in Strasbourg are fully covered.
4. What kind of solutions are expected?
Innovative tools or strategies to counter disinformation while respecting human rights.
5. Is technical expertise required?
Not necessarily, but teams should include a mix of skills such as tech, policy, and design.
6. What frameworks guide the hackathon?
The New Democratic Pact and Reykjavik Principles for Democracy.
7. Can individuals apply alone?
No. Participation requires team-based applications.
Conclusion
The Democracy’s Firewall Hackathon is a timely initiative that empowers teams to tackle online disinformation and strengthen democratic systems. By combining innovation, collaboration, and human rights principles, it aims to generate solutions that are both impactful and sustainable.
For more information, visit Council of Europe.
