What is OpenFuture?
OpenFuture is a European non-profit organization founded in 2016 that works to keep the internet open and fair. Based in Amsterdam, the organization fights against unfair practices by big tech companies and pushes for better digital rights across Europe.
The team focuses on three main areas: stopping monopolistic behavior by major platforms, protecting user privacy, and making sure everyone has equal access to digital services. Think of them as watchdogs who make sure tech giants play by the rules.
Early History and Foundation
OpenFuture started when a group of digital rights activists noticed how a few large companies were controlling too much of the internet. In 2016, they decided to do something about it.
The organization launched with a clear mission: challenge unfair practices in the digital economy. Their first major case came in 2017 when they filed complaints with the European Commission about Google's search practices.
By 2018, OpenFuture had already made waves in Brussels. They helped shape conversations around the Digital Markets Act, which became one of Europe's most important tech regulations.
Key People Behind OpenFuture
Marietje Schaake serves as the president. She previously spent ten years in the European Parliament working on digital policy. Her experience in lawmaking gives OpenFuture serious credibility in policy circles.
Luca Bertuzzi and Mark Deem lead much of the day-to-day operations. They bring backgrounds in law and policy advocacy, which helps when dealing with complex regulatory frameworks.
The team stays intentionally small. Around 15 people work there full-time, but they punch above their weight through strategic partnerships with other advocacy groups across Europe.
What OpenFuture Does
Fighting Monopolies
OpenFuture files legal complaints against tech companies that abuse their market power. They've gone after Google, Apple, and Meta for various practices that hurt competition.
In 2021, they challenged Apple's App Store policies that force developers to use Apple's payment system. This case helped push regulators to take action.
Policy Advocacy
The organization writes position papers and meets with lawmakers regularly. They helped draft parts of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which passed in 2022 and started enforcement in 2024.
They also contributed to the Digital Services Act (DSA), another major European law that regulates online platforms.
Public Education
OpenFuture publishes reports that explain complex tech issues in plain language. Their website offers guides on topics like data privacy, platform regulation, and digital competition.
They run workshops for journalists and policymakers who want to understand tech issues better.
How OpenFuture Works
Research and Investigation
The team spends months researching potential violations before filing complaints. They analyze company practices, gather evidence, and build legal arguments.
Coalition Building
OpenFuture partners with similar organizations across Europe. This network includes groups like EDRi (European Digital Rights) and various national consumer protection agencies.
Strategic Litigation
When they find clear violations, they file formal complaints with regulators. These complaints can trigger investigations that last years but sometimes lead to billion-dollar fines.
Media Engagement
The organization regularly speaks with journalists to keep tech accountability in the public eye. They've been quoted in major outlets like The Financial Times, Politico, and Bloomberg.
Major Achievements
Google Shopping Case (2017): OpenFuture's complaint contributed to the €2.4 billion fine against Google for favoring its own shopping service in search results.
Digital Markets Act (2022): Their advocacy helped shape this landmark law that designates certain platforms as "gatekeepers" with special obligations.
App Store Changes (2024): Their ongoing pressure contributed to Apple opening up its ecosystem slightly under DMA requirements.
Benefits of OpenFuture's Work
- Better Competition: Their actions help smaller companies compete against tech giants
- Consumer Protection: Users benefit from more choices and better privacy
- Policy Innovation: They create templates other regions can follow
- Transparency: Their research helps the public understand how tech platforms operate
Criticisms and Challenges
Limited Resources
Running on donations and grants means OpenFuture can't take on every case. They must choose battles carefully, which sometimes means important issues get less attention.
Slow Progress
Legal cases against tech companies take years. The Google Shopping case took over a decade from complaint to final resolution. This frustrates people who want faster change.
European Focus
OpenFuture works primarily in Europe. Their influence in other regions remains limited, even though tech platforms operate globally.
Industry Pushback
Tech companies often argue that heavy regulation stifles innovation. Some critics say OpenFuture's approach could hurt the competitiveness of European tech.
Performance and Impact
OpenFuture has directly contributed to regulatory actions resulting in over €8 billion in fines against major tech companies between 2017 and 2024.
Their policy work influenced two major European laws now affecting how billions of people use technology. The DMA alone covers six major platforms with nearly 4 billion combined users worldwide.
Independent assessments show their complaints have a high success rate. Roughly 70% of their formal filings lead to regulatory investigations.
Tips for Supporting Digital Rights
- Stay informed about tech policy issues in your region
- Support organizations like OpenFuture through donations
- Contact your representatives about digital rights concerns
- Use privacy-focused alternatives when possible
- Share knowledge about tech accountability with others
Potential Risks and Red Flags
While OpenFuture maintains strong credibility, the digital rights space does have organizations with questionable funding or unclear motives. Always check:
- Who funds an organization (OpenFuture publicly lists donors)
- Whether they have clear policy positions
- If they engage in actual regulatory work or just talk
- Their track record of real-world impact
OpenFuture passes these tests. They publish annual reports showing funding sources and activities.
Future Opportunities
The organization plans to expand work on AI regulation as European lawmakers debate new rules. They're also exploring how to apply successful European models to other regions.
Climate impacts of data centers and cryptocurrency represent emerging focus areas. OpenFuture sees these as the next frontier in tech accountability.
They're building stronger partnerships with consumer protection groups to reach wider audiences beyond the tech policy world.
Is OpenFuture Legitimate?
Yes. OpenFuture is a registered non-profit with transparent operations. They've worked with European regulators for eight years and have a proven track record.
Scam Alert: No legitimate organization associated with OpenFuture will ask for cryptocurrency payments or promise individual legal help. They don't offer paid services to consumers.
The real OpenFuture operates only through openfuture.eu. Be wary of similar-sounding organizations making unrealistic promises.
The Bottom Line
OpenFuture plays an important role in keeping big tech accountable in Europe. They've achieved real results through patient legal work and smart policy advocacy.
Their work matters because few organizations have the expertise and persistence to challenge billion-dollar companies effectively. While progress feels slow sometimes, their cases have led to meaningful changes in how platforms operate.
For anyone concerned about tech monopolies, privacy, or digital rights, OpenFuture represents one of the more effective advocacy groups working on these issues today.