Our everyday life would be unimaginable without the internet: we use it to search for information, to communicate with friends and family, and we also use it for shopping, working, and entertainment. However, digital communication also has its downsides: the uninhibited spread of fake news and conspiracy theories as well as the increasing level of hate that many people encounter online.
We believe that media literacy is the key to ensure the safe and competent use of digital media. However, we also believe that media literacy alone is not enough to coexist nicely and respectfully in the digital world. Therefore media and democracy expertise are intrinsically linked in our opinion. Through various projects and initiatives, we are committed to ensuring that everyone is able to safely, competently, and confidently make use of the many opportunities of digitalization without having to worry about marginalization or hate.
Commitment to no hate speech
In summer 2020, we launched our #TAKEPART – No hate speech campaign. With the campaign, we are setting down a marker for an internet that everybody can use to enjoy the huge opportunities of a digital world without having to worry about marginalization or hate. We are also launching initiatives in a targeted manner and thus contributing towards embracing democracy and diversity in society. To this end, we are cooperating with over 40 partners who are working towards the same target. By doing this, we are also encouraging society to support us in our work and to show digital civil courage.
Initiatives for media literacy
Through our initiatives, we provide didactic material to target groups ranging from 9 to99 years of age: How can I be safe online? How can civil courage work on the internet? What can each individual do to combat hate speech and fake news online? What role do bots and algorithms play? We also offer free, easy-to-understand, and entertaining material on these and many other aspects of media and democracy expertise though Teachtoday, Scroller, or the #TAKEPART stories. The offerings are constantly being expanded.
Offerings for schools
In today's society, internet access is a prerequisite for equal education opportunities. Because of this, we offer a subsidized broadband connection to all general education schools throughout Germany through our Telekom@School infrastructure project. From media literacy, integration, and sports offerings to teaching material – Deutsche Telekom is committed to schools with various offerings. Here is an overview.
Deutsche Telekom Stiftung foundation
As one of Germany's largest educational foundations, Deutsche Telekom Stiftung is dedicated to improving education in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in the field of digital learning. The foundation's activities range from establishing school competitions and providing innovative teaching materials to cooperation at a political and community level.
Promotion of media literacy in the national companies
In order to provide information on media literacy and overcome the digital divide, our national companies independently organize regional activities: in collaboration with competent partner organizations, they promote programming courses for children and young people, provide devices or school accesses, or work with partners on solutions on how particularly disadvantaged groups such as people with physical limitations, low income, or who are elderly can get online and provide them with skills so that they can use digital media. Every year, our Corporate Responsibility Report provides an overview of specific projects. Through our commitment, we are also working together intensively across borders and exchanging information and best practices. The close collaboration with key figures in society such as NGOs, associations, and initiatives also plays an important role.