Glitch

For “Digital Citizenship” against online abuse

Founded in 2017, Glitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting digital abuse. Inspired by founder Seyi Akiwowo’s own experience with online attacks, Glitch seeks to promote positive and responsible "Digital Citizenship" among all online users. Glitch has adopted a multi-pronged and intersectional approach to reducing online abuse and its impact through trainings, campaigns and policy reforms. Beyond its digital citizenship education, Glitch campaigns for appropriate regulation of social media firms, policy and legal reforms to encourage reporting and prosecution of online abuse.

As a member of the Kering Foundation’s community of social entrepreneurs, Glitch was selected by a jury of professionals and experts to receive support from the Kering Foundation, including a 6-month incubation program, professional mentoring, and access to the Kering Foundation’s network. Glitch operates through a hybrid model that pairs revenue from workshops and interventions with donor grants. The Kering Foundation will support Glitch in creating an opportunity assessment scorecard, a performance review and the development of a sales and marketing strategy.

In 2021, nearly 1,000 people benefited from Glitch's actions.
93% of participants who completed Glitch workshops reported feeling safer to express themselves online.

“I would like to see Glitch inspired organizations and Glitch inspired campaigners around the world championing digital citizenship equipped and empowered to lobby their government and technology platforms to make positive change and interventions. A global movement is key to change. The internet is international and the online experiences of people in all countries must be championed. I hope Glitch can inspire a movement for global change and younger leaders take the Glitch model further than I can imagine.”

— Seyi Akiwowo, Founder and Executive Director of Glitch