ChillingEffekt

ChillingEffekt is a German online platform that aims to inform citizens about their rights concerning data protection and the processing of personal data. It was founded in 2015 by the consumer protection organization Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (vzbv) in response to growing concerns about how companies collect and use personal information. The website provides practical tools and information to help individuals understand their digital footprint and exercise control over their data.

One of the primary functions of ChillingEffekt is to offer a database of privacy policies and terms of service from various companies. Users can submit these documents for analysis, and volunteers or experts then review them to identify potentially problematic clauses or unclear language related to data usage. This crowdsourced approach allows for a comprehensive and constantly updated collection of information.

Beyond policy analysis, ChillingEffekt also offers resources on specific data protection rights, such as the right to access, rectify, or delete personal data. It provides templates for letters and requests that individuals can send to companies to assert these rights. The platform also publishes articles and guides on current data protection issues and legal developments, contributing to public awareness and fostering a more informed discourse on privacy in the digital age. The overarching goal is to empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their online activities and to promote greater transparency and accountability from companies regarding data handling.