Overview

TrustLab equips frontline human rights defenders (HRDs) across the Majority World to identify, disrupt and respond to online threats. As a centralised hub, it proactively investigates and counters online threats they face.

TrustLab is a collaborative, multi-partner ecosystem, established in 2023 under the Basiki ni Tagne Kunafoni (BTK) Mali project, funded by USAID. It receives continued support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, European Union (EU), and Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Core principles

Counter digital security and surveillance threats: We equip partners to defend themselves from online harassment and trolling. We provide support to protect against spyware and surveillance tools.
Combat information manipulation and interference: We tackle targeted disinformation and hate speech campaigns that distort public discourse.
Mitigate malicious AI risks: We support HRDs with resources to identify, counter and responsibly leverage AI technologies for democratic resilience.

Our Two-Pillar Solution

1. The Incubator
Using the Living Labs model, the incubator guides participants to develop locally relevant solutions:

Capacity building: Participants follow a structured learning programme to grasp the fundamentals of identifying and responding to digital safety threats.
Innovation: They design and develop locally relevant digital solutions to disrupt and defend their communities from threats.
Sustainability: Participants receive financial support, continued mentoring, and access to shared services to ensure solutions outlive grants.

2. Real-time defence
TrustLab provides specialised support to partners and HRDs:

Forensic investigations: On request from participants, Code for Africa investigates and documents hate speech, cyberbullying, and disinformation campaigns. Organisations can use this evidence to report incidents to platforms, or legal/regulatory authorities.
Risk assessments and threat intelligence: TrustLab conducts security and digital safety evaluations to help partners anticipate, identify and respond to evolving threats. This analysis is shared regularly with stakeholders.
Digital toolkits and mentorship: A suite of practical playbooks and online courses builds participants’ skills in ensuring their own online safety.

Partners

Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung

The Federal Foreign Office is Germany's government agency responsible for managing the country's foreign relations and diplomatic efforts. It oversees embassies, fosters international partnerships, and addresses global issues like security, human rights, and trade. It works to promote Germany’s interests abroad and uphold peace, stability, and cooperation worldwide.

Code for Africa

Code for Africa (CfA) is the continent’s largest network of indigenous African civic technology and data journalism labs with a mission to build digital open society solutions that empower citizens with unfettered access to actionable information. CfA supports civil society and media by providing evidence-based research, innovative tools, and capacity-building to strengthen civic engagement, public governance, and accountability across Africa.

Deutsche Welle Akademie

Deutsche Welle Akademie (DWA) is Germany's leading organisation for international media development. It promotes freedom of expression, access to information, and media literacy through training, consulting, and advocacy. DW Akademie supports journalists, media outlets, and activists in building free, independent media landscapes globally.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH work is guided by the principle of sustainability. We firmly believe that social responsibility, ecological balance and economic capability must go hand in hand if current and future generations are to live safe, secure and dignified lives. We promote respect for human rights, equal opportunities and integrity.

European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, created to foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and uphold democratic values. It enables the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across member states, while also working on common policies and global issues.

Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The essential task of the Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to work for Norway’s interests internationally, cooperate with other countries, promote peace and security, an international legal system, an economically just world order and sustainable development.

Siasa Place

Siasa Place is a Kenyan youth-led organisation that engages young people in political dialogue, policy advocacy, and governance. Through civic education, social media campaigns, and grassroots initiatives, Siasa Place aims to increase youth participation in politics and create more inclusive decision-making processes in Kenya.