The internet is our lifeline—and a battleground. Abusive imagery spreads unchecked, private data falls to hackers and governments, and censorship looms larger every day. Into this fray steps the Center for Online Safety and Liberty (COSL), a new nonprofit launching today to safeguard online freedom and security for all.
COSL isn’t here to preach—it’s here to act. We back independent projects that build secure, creative, and open digital spaces, empowering you to thrive online without fear of abuse or silencing.
The Stakes Are Rising
Threats are piling up fast. Twenty U.S. states and nations like Australia now demand invasive ID checks for websites, all under the guise of “child safety.” The UK pushes to crack encryption, risking everyone’s privacy. Major platforms, once havens, now shrug at hate—especially against transgender users—turning welcoming corners into hostile zones. These aren’t just glitches; they’re choking the internet’s power to connect and inspire.
A fierce coalition of activists, creators, and leaders is already resisting—building tools and spaces to protect digital rights. But too often, they lack the muscle to scale. COSL changes that. As a fiscal sponsor, we provide funding, volunteers, and structure, freeing innovators to focus on impact over paperwork.
COSL’s Mission in Action
Registered as a 501(c)(3), COSL nurtures projects aligned with its mission: empowering individuals and communities to thrive online by building safer spaces, fostering creativity, combating harm, and championing digital rights and freedom. These projects are chosen by our board and fall under four pillars:
- Safer Hosting: Creating and maintaining online spaces that are secure and welcoming for users and creators alike.
- Supporting Fans: Fostering self-expression, creativity, and connection within fan communities.
- Cyberbullying and Abuse: Addressing online abuse as a preventable public health issue.
- Legal Advocacy: Defending the human rights of free expression and privacy in the digital age.
Each month, we’ll highlight a project—like a new tool or campaign—and show you how to jump in, from signing petitions to coding solutions. You can keep informed of these simply by dropping your email below:
Kicking Off with Liberato
Our first spotlight: Liberato, a nonprofit hosting service for those sidelined by Big Tech. Sure, cheaper hosting exists—but Liberato’s different. Run by veterans of nonprofit internet services since 1996, it pairs free trust-and-safety tools with ironclad privacy. All proceeds fuel COSL’s work. Soon, vibrant, safe communities will bloom on its framework—some our next featured projects.
Your Role in This
COSL thrives with your support. Here’s how to join:
- Volunteer: Lend your skills and passion to COSL or a COSL-sponsored project. We have a job board that lists some current volunteer openings, and we will occasionally advertise paid roles.
- Propose a Project: Have an idea that aligns with our mission? We’re open to new proposals for fiscal sponsorship that fall into one of our four priority areas. Eventually we’ll have a form to fill out, but for now just provide a description of the project and its team, and any resources that you’re asking COSL to contribute.
- Donate or Become a Member: Can’t give your time, but have a few dollars to spare? Your contributions help sustain the fight for digital rights and ensure that free, safe, and accessible online spaces remain available to all.
- Follow and Share: Follow us on Bluesky or LinkedIn, check out our Github, or join our Discord. We’ll be popping up on other social platforms soon too!
The Internet stands at a crossroads. Now is the moment for Internet users to band together in support of online safety and online freedom, in the face of mounting threats to both. If you’re as fired up about this as we are, we invite you to join us as a founding member of COSL, to pursue a vision of an Internet that’s free, safe, creative, and ours.