The SOCIAL project aimed to empower European citizens to participate responsibly in digital environments. They outlined steps towards raising awareness of security threats, facilitating the secure observance of individual rights in the digital space and ultimately achieving true sovereignty - the exercise of ownership, responsibility and independence in the digital world. By improving the resilience of information security and digital sovereignty sustainable democratic processes are supported (combating misinformation, protecting public infrastructure, ensuring freedom of expression in the public, private and digital spheres). The view of a European as a citizen and as an employee in SMEs is described here as a "low-threshold environment", which presupposes the lack of structured awareness-raising as in larger co-operations and the absence of complex technical information systems. In these contexts, small improvements in particular make a big difference to the willingness to take risks and the level of security. The aim is to enable SMEs to strengthen their own resilience in information security by fostering a digitally sovereign citizen equipped to face the challenges of the digital age.
The project team recognized the crucial need for digital sovereignty admits the complexities of modern digital technology use. Aware of the dual challenges posed by the digital landscape—the visible and invisible consequences of digital technology usage and the legal and technical intricacies of data protection and information security—we see this project as an opportunity to address these critical issues. Our motivation is driven by a desire to enhance understanding and resilience of SME, employees and citizen against the backdrop of increased cybercrime and the accelerated digitalization. Understanding the limitations and challenges faced by SMEs, SMOs, and private individuals in complying with regulations and recognizing the general feeling of uncertainty and powerlessness among users, we see prevention through education and resilience building as essential. We believe in empowering citizens, employees, and users to navigate the digital world securely and sovereignly, thus contributing to democratic resilience and economic sustainability. By building alliances and promoting digital education and awareness, we aim to contribute to the development of a more resilient, informed, and empowered European society.