#FreeWebSearchDay 2026: A day dedicated to freedom of information and democracy is taking place for the fourth time!

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For the past four years, #FreeWebSearchDay (FWSD) has been held annually on and around September 29, featuring various activities and events centered on free and transparent internet access. Together, participants work on ideas for an open and fair digital future and raise awareness of how important this is for preserving our democracy.

FWSD thus offers a global platform for various events related to these topics.

This year’s program highlights include:

  • As part of the monthly Open Web Search Community Meet-up, a presentation on “Acceptance Requirements of Search Engine Users” will be held on September 14, during which the results of a Europe-wide survey will be discussed and analyzed in an online meeting.
  • From September 22 to 25, the German Informatics Society (GI) invites you to this year’s Informatics Festival 2026 at TU Dresden. Under the motto “Digital Sovereignty – Now or Never!”, a symposium will take place on September 22 as part of the festival to discuss solutions for a sovereign digital future, including a keynote address on the topic “Europe Disconnected from the Web? Open Web Data as the Foundation of Digital Sovereignty.”
  • On October 3, as part of this year’s Open House at the Garching Research Campus, a lecture titled “Can You Still Think That’s Okay?! How Search Engines and AI Shape Our View of the World” will take place at the Leibniz Computing Center Garching.
  • From October 7 to 9, the 8th International Open Search Symposium #ossym26 will be held at the Code University of Applied Sciences in Berlin. Under the theme “Boosting Digital Sovereignty”, various conference formats will explore how an open web data ecosystem can contribute to digital diversity.
  • As part of an evening event for #ossym26, a side event on the topic “Sovereignty on the Web – How a European Web Data Infrastructure Strengthens Freedom, the Economy, and Democracy” will take place on October 8 at the Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin.

For more information on other events and ongoing updates about #FreeWebSearchDay, visit: https://freewebsearch.org/en/events/

Get involved!

Whether you’re a data center, search engine, school, company, or even an individual… #FreeWebSearchDay thrives not only on its planned program but above all on individual initiative. If you have ideas and would like to get actively involved, simply send an email to .

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Various European Commission consultations

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An Open Web Data Infrastructure for Europe: We’re actively helping to shape European policy and legislation!

We completed the OpenWebSearch.EU project in April this year. Nevertheless, the OpenWebSearch Initiative, which brings together many partners from the OWS project and new stakeholders from research and industry, continues to work tirelessly on and for the Open Web Index (OWI).

The initiative not only aims to develop the infrastructure further, but is also committed to creating the framework conditions for a European Web Data Infrastructure. Shaping European policy and influencing legislation in support of an open European Web Data Infrastructure are, and will remain, key tasks of the initiative and the OSF.

We take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of a web data infrastructure for Europe!

With this mission in mind, we have, over the past few months, submitted comments on various European Commission consultations in collaboration with the OpenWebSearch Initiative and the PriDI project. In these consultations, citizens and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the Commission’s planned policy and legislative initiatives.

Among other things, we participated in the consultation on the Digital Decade Policy Program, the Digital Fitness Check, and the consultations on the review of the Copyright Directive and on European Partnerships and Joint Undertakings. Our comments are published on the European Commission’s website and are taken into account by the Commission when evaluating its initiatives.

You can find more information about the individual consultations in which we participated and our comments at https://openwebsearch.eu/remaining-active-we-provided-feedback-for-various-european-commission-consultations/. We have also provided links to our comments there.

It’s worth sticking to it, which is why we will continue to play an active role in Europe and work toward establishing the framework for a European web data infrastructure.

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German panel discussion in partnership with the Weizenbaum Institute: register now!

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“Sovereignty on the Web – How a European web data infrastructure strengthens freedom, the economy and democracy”

As part of #ossym 2026, we are delighted to invite you, in partnership with the Weizenbaum Institute, to an evening event featuring a panel discussion in Berlin. Please note that the event will be held entirely in German.

  • What: Panel discussion followed by networking (including snacks)
  • When: 8 October 2026, 7.00 pm
  • Where: Weizenbaum Institute, Hardenbergstrasse 23, 10623 Berlin

    Weizenbaum event englisch

The development of competitive European services in the field of artificial intelligence – particularly in innovative approaches such as agent-based AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) – requires access to valid, large-scale web data. At present, the value generated from this publicly accessible data on the internet is almost exclusively controlled by a handful of non-European monopolists. This lack of transparency poses massive risks for Europe: distorted information, one-sidedly trained AI models and products that do not reflect European values and legislation jeopardise our digital sovereignty and democratic discourse.

Political initiatives such as the Digital Commons EDIC are important milestones, but they fall short without an open and comprehensive web data infrastructure of our own. Europe urgently needs an independent web search and web data infrastructure as the foundation for innovation and freedom.

Key questions in the discussion:
  • How can we ensure free and unbiased access to global information for European businesses and the academic community?
  • What framework conditions must policymakers put in place to provide an open, values-based alternative to the monopolies held by providers from third countries?
  • How does an independent data infrastructure strengthen the resilience of our democracy and economy in the age of AI?
Panelists confirmed so far:
  • Stefan Mesken (Chief Scientist, DeepL)
  • Esther Görnemann (Research Synthesis Officer, Weizenbaum Institute)
  • Stefan Voigt (Chair of the Open Search Foundation; researcher at DLR)

Moderator: Olivier Blanchard (Economy Working Group at the Open Search Foundation, management consultant)

Registration

Registration for free on-site attendance is now open. Please register here.
Further information on the evening event can be found here. Subject to change.

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Google is once again in the pillory for favoring its own services

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In July 2026, the European Commission imposed a fine of 890 million euros on Google for, among other things, supposedly favoring its own search services, such as Google Shopping and Google Flights, over those of other providers, and thereby violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The fine imposed is the highest the Commission has ever imposed for a violation of the DMA.

Read more about what the Commision‘s decision means, what happens next, and how the PriDi team assesses the fine that has now been imposed. Hop over to the PriDi project blog and get filled in on the details here. (Please Note: the blogpost is available in German language only.)

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Law Enforcement against Big Tech – Still a Fight against Windmills?

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“Recognition of Open Source Work as Volunteer Work in Germany”

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Open Source as volunteer work – a visibility problem?

Volunteer work is perceived as particularly fulfilling when its impact is immediately noticeable – for example, when working with people or animals. A smile, a step forward, a direct change: Such tangible results are motivating and make the value of the work clear to everyone involved.

But there are also forms of volunteer work whose impact is less visible and, for that very reason, is often underestimated. This includes contributing to open-source projects. The work often takes place behind closed doors, away from the spotlight; results are frequently abstract and therefore not always immediately apparent – but by no means less significant.

Boris Hinzer’s petition “Open Source as Volunteer Work” addresses precisely this issue: It aims to gain greater recognition for open-source work as volunteer engagement and to secure more social appreciation and support for it. As the Open Search Foundation, we support this important initiative with our vote.

Invisible, but indispensable

What would actually happen if this work were to suddenly disappear?

We’re often not even fully aware of the consequences. Yet a look at the numbers shows just how significant open-source work has long been: platforms like GitHub document a steadily growing open-source community. In public repositories alone, over 1.12 billion new contributions were recorded in 2025 – a global record high.

According to estimates, about 50% of these commits come from predominantly unpaid developers (Linux Foundation, December 2024). While large projects are sometimes supported by companies, a significant portion of the work is based on volunteer efforts.

At the same time, many projects struggle with structural problems, such as a lack of funding, time constraints, and legal uncertainties, which slow down their development.

The effort behind the software

Open-source development is not a casual hobby; in terms of the nature and scope of the work, it is comparable to a second job. On average, developers invest about nine hours per week in their projects – and during intensive phases, as many as 40 hours. This is shown by the Linux Foundation’s study from December 2024.

We use the results of this work every day, usually without even realizing it: OpenStreetMap, Thunderbird, Mozilla Firefox, and the open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, are just a few well-known examples.

In addition, there are open-source projects that have long been part of critical infrastructure but tend to remain invisible in our daily lives. The Linux kernel and OpenSSL, a cryptographic library, form the foundation for key areas of our digital world they – are also crucial for secure internet communication.

Maintenance over prestige

A key, often overlooked aspect is the ongoing maintenance of these projects. Open source isn’t just about developing new software; it’s also about maintaining existing systems over the long term, fixing bugs, and keeping the systems secure.

The promising features are often funded – but the invisible, yet essential, groundwork is frequently left to volunteer contributors.

More than just code

Free, transparent, and traceable software is a central building block of the digital common good. It enables innovation, builds trust, and reduces dependencies.

In Europe in particular, open source plays a crucial role in digital sovereignty. Without it, many governmental, economic, and societal processes would be significantly more vulnerable and less independent. The urgent need for action in this area is also evident from a call by the European Commission for comments on open-source digital ecosystems issued in January of this year.

At the same time, volunteer developers bear an enormous responsibility – often without adequate recognition or protection.

 

Time for Greater Recognition of Open Source Work

This is precisely where our call to give greater recognition to open source work as volunteer work comes in.
Such recognition could, for example, lead to concrete improvements:

  • Tax-free expense reimbursements
  • Fairer liability provisions

It is clear that open source – especially in Germany, but also globally – has long since ceased to be a niche phenomenon and has instead become a cornerstone of our digital infrastructure.

As the Open Search Foundation, we are therefore particularly committed to raising the profile of this work and strengthening it.
You can find more information about Boris Hinzer’s petition “Open Source as Volunteer Work” here: https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/anerkennung-von-open-source-arbeit-als-ehrenamt-in-deutschland

One thing is clear: If our society continues to overlook the value of open source, we risk, in the long term, precisely the stability that we take for granted today.

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Who Is Liable for AI-Generated Responses?

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The PriDI team monitors current developments, legal proceedings, and rulings related to digitalization, data protection, AI, and Big Tech, and one key question is: Who is actually liable for AI-generated responses?

Until now, the general principle has been that traditional search engines bear only limited liability for the list of links and their content. Search engine operators were not required to proactively review these lists in advance. The search engine operator was not required to take action until it had been notified of a legal violation.

This principle does not apply to AI-generated summaries (so-called “AI Overviews”). In its ruling of May 28, 2026 (Case No. 26 O 869/26), the Munich I Regional Court ruled that Google is liable for false information in these summaries. According to the ruling by the Munich I Regional Court, an AI-generated summary, unlike a list of links constitutes more than just the provision of third-party content. The court finds that Google can control and influence the content of these summaries. Therefore, unlike the content of a list of links, Google must be held responsible for this content. The ruling is not yet final.

The PriDI project has analyzed and summarized the decision of the Munich I Regional Court. A summary in German is available here.

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Registration for #ossym2026 is now open

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The 8th International Open Search Symposium (#ossym) brings together experts and practitioners from across computer science, law and regulation, ethics, economics, and civil society.

#ossym2026 will take place as a hybrid event in Berlin from 7–9 October 2026, hosted at CODE University of Applied Sciences and supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This year’s conference theme is “Boosting Digital Sovereignty.”
Join us for inspiring talks, thoughtful discussions, and the latest research on open and distributed web search, open web data infrastructure, and their role in AI.

Program focus: open web search + AI in the context of sovereignty

We are especially interested in how an open web data infrastructure can counter the current concentration of web services, value loss, and regulatory pressure. Key questions include:

  • How can open web search and web data infrastructure strengthen digital diversity?
  • Which technical and economic concepts improve acceptance and resilience?
  • Which ethical and legal questions must be addressed to make this approach work?

Keynotes

Confirmed* keynote speakers include:

  • Stéphane Beemelmans (DLR)
  • Peter Gehle (DLR)
  • Julian Kunkel (GWDG / University of Göttingen)
  • Aline Blankertz (Structural Integrity)
  • Stefan Mesken (DeepL)
  • Hannes Taubenböck (DLR)

Tracks and sessions

#ossym2026 features a hybrid format with scientific talks, poster sessions, panels, demonstrations, and informal discussion spaces. The conference includes science tracks on:

  • Crawling
  • Retrieval
  • Spatial modeling
  • AI in Science
  • Web data driven applications

And sessions around:

  • Ethics + Society
  • Legal aspects of open web search & AI training
  • User behavior and preferences in search and AI

Workshops and community formats

Workshops and community activities include (among others):

  • Evaluating design patterns for legally compliant Open Web Index and Search Engine systems
  • Disinformation tools
  • Open Web Data Working Group of EuroHPC
  • Student project session / index access tutorial
  • Additional workshop opportunities (details may be updated on the website)

Side Event at Weizenbaum Institute

This year, a special  panel discussion (in German) & networking dinner will take place at Weizenbaum Institut.
„Souveränität im Netz – Wie eine europäische Webdateninfrastruktur Freiheit, Wirtschaft und Demokratie stärkt“

Find more here.

Registration

Registration for onsite and online participation is open and free of charge. Please register here.
Better be fast, as availability may be limited for on-site seats!
The conference programm* is available here.

 

*The conference programm and keynote speaker announcements are published under reservation of the right to make alterations

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New SOURCE Project Launched

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The SOURCE research project (launched on April 1, 2026) makes a key contribution to the German federal government’s IT security research as part of the BMFTR research program “Digital.Sicher.Souverän.” (“Digital.Secure.Sovereign.”)

SOURCE stands for “Skalierbare, offene und umfassende Erkennung von Desinformationskampagnen im Web“ (“Scalable, Open, and Comprehensive Detection of Disinformation Campaigns on the Web”). The project is supported by the BMFTR as part of the funding line “Vertrauen in Demokratie und Staat: Digitale Desinformation erkennen und abwehren” (“Trust in Democracy and the State: Detecting and Countering Digital Disinformation”).

Together with our project partners, the University of Passau, the University of Kassel, the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), and Alliance4Europe (A4E), we were successful in the competitive tendering process for this collaborative project within the BMFTR research program “Digital.Sicher.Souverän.”

The focus of SOURCE is the development of a freely accessible database of potential disinformation artifacts. This involves utilizing web data from the Open Web Index and additional social media crawls, which are then analyzed and interpreted in terms of content and origin using AI tools. The necessary AI, cloud, and storage capacities are provided by a federated digital infrastructure.

The active Open Web Search community, as well as technical and editorial expert communities, are brought on board early for needs assessments. The communities are expected to contribute concrete use cases, which will be used to test, further enrich, and make the database content practical.

The data generated by the project will be made available to both the scientific community and users in the fields of journalism, business, and civil society, thereby creating a solid foundation for identifying and combating disinformation on the web.

The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is funding the project with €2,500,000 over a period of three years.

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Fighting the Search Monopoly with an Open Source Index: An Interview with Michael Granitzer from OpenWebSearch | Reset Digital for Good

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In a recent interview with Reset Digital for Good, Prof. Dr. Michael Granitzer, Chair of Data Science at the University of Passau and project manager of our recently completed OpenWebSearch.EU project, provided insights into the significance of the Open Web Index, which was developed in the project.

„Our mission is to break up the silo of a single search engine. (…) We’re doing this by crawling the web, collecting web pages, and preparing them to be consumed by search engines. Preparing them involves cleaning advertisements and navigation links, then extracting the main content. This index can be used by individuals or organisations to build their own search engines.“ states Michael.

While scaling up to compete with monopolies such as Google would require enormous resources, Michael believes that a community-oriented project could complement traditional and AI search as a public good. He envisions a future in which small AI models enable users to search for and combine information from various sources, independently of large technology companies.

In the future, societies will be shaped by humans and models working closely together

„In an ideal scenario, the AI model is running on my machine and controlling my data. It’s a tool that helps me, conducts searches on my behalf and understands what I want to do. I’m talking about small language models rather than large language models. A model that helps me search, aggregate and synthesise information based on search endpoints that I choose.“, he states

You can read the full interview here: https://en.reset.org/fighting-the-search-monopoly-with-an-open-source-index-an-interview-with-michael-granitzer-from-openwebsearch/

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