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As a Berlin-based organisation, this month we've been reflecting on the horrific incident that took place on our streets a few weeks ago. What should have been a moment of celebration turned to tragedy when a van drove into a crowd of people attending Berlin Pride, killing one woman and injuring 29 others. While German politicians described the incident as an attack on “our values” and promised increased security, the queer community has called out the rolling back of supports under the same political leadership. As the city mourns in the aftermath of this heinous attack, we must stand up against any attacks on the freedoms of the international queer community, and resist narratives that fuel divisiveness and hatred. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected by this attack.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Our paper investigating whether ChatGPT and Gemini gave reliable voting advice during the Hungarian parliamentary elections received extensive media coverage, generating over 40 stories by outlets worldwide. Spoiler alert: while AI chatbots might be helpful when deciding what to cook for dinner, their voting advice is a recipe for disaster.
- Learn about our impact: Liberties Annual Report 2026 is out.
- The AI Omnibus entered into force on the 27th July. Here’s why it will weaken a decade of digital rights protections.
IN FOCUS
What Happens When AI Gives You Voting Advice?
ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar AI tools have become part of our daily lives for searching, understanding, and summarising information. But does it give reliable voting advice? Read more here.
Why the EU Commission’s Rule of Law Report is not working as an early warning system
Liberties Rule of Law Gap Analysis 2026: Initial analysis suggests that, while still an important tool, the report remains both insufficient in its assessment and its ability to signal the need for urgent or preventive action. Read our blog to get the full picture.
IN THE MEDIA
Election voting advice from AI chatbots ‘inaccurate and unreliable’
Research during Hungary election shows AI recommended parties not running and gave highly volatile answers to identical prompts. Read here.
MEMBERS’ CORNER
Happy Birthday: Our Bulgarian member, The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, celebrated its 34th anniversary in July, while our Irish member, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, recently reached an incredible milestone, marking 50 years since it was founded. We can’t wait to see what they achieve over the coming decades.
Afghan family’s bid for safety: Our German member, GFF, alongside Kabul Luftbrücke secured a legal win for an Afghan activist and her two children, following a ruling that the revocation of a promise to offer protection to high risk Afghans was arbitrary. The case follows the government’s U-turn on commitments to allow Afghan local staff and activists in danger from the Taliban regime to move to Germany to seek safety.
Still Watching: How Hungary’s Oldest Human Rights Watchdog Navigates a New Era I Meet Our Members
Meet Zsuzsanna Nyitray, a Legal Expert at the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union from Budapest and her way of navigating Hungary’s historic transition. Read the full interview here.
Making Democracy Work for Everyone I Meet Our Members
Meet Rukiatu Sheriff, a Rights Advisor at Nyt Europa from Denmark and her bold view on work with civil society and the future of democracy. Learn more about Rukiatu here.
IN OUR HEADS
Merz ally challenges Germany’s far-right firewall ahead of crucial state elections
Chatbot Voting Advice Could Help and Harm Voters. Let’s Regulate Accordingly.
EU temporarily extends controversial chat-scanning regime until 2028
EU’s top court is the hard-right’s next target – and MEP Weimers’ report just pulled the trigger
WHAT WE'RE DRINKING
Liberties staff are using the summer months to slow down and pick up some new hobbies. Our Head of Comms, Valentin Toth, is dabbling in the cottage industry by making his very first fermented fizzy drinks and apricot jam batch.
Val’s perfected fizzy drink formula
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