Independent Media
Supporting editorial freedom, diverse voices and sustainable media models in difficult political environments.
Estonia · Civil Society · Vulnerable Communities in Exile · Public-Benefit Technology
Building resilient digital infrastructure for civil society and cultural communities in exile.
We combine independent media experience, international civic networks and responsible Web3 technologies to help communities communicate, cooperate and build sustainable institutions.
web3social.eu
About us
From independent media networks to social infrastructure
TIIM Web3 Social Hub MTÜ is an Estonia-based nonprofit organisation established in 2011 by Belarusian and Russian dissidents, independent media professionals living in exile, and engaged Estonian civil society activists, with support from Estonian civil society and partners in the United States and Denmark.
For more than fifteen years, the organisation and its team have worked at the intersection of independent media, civic education, democratic participation, international networking and technology. Their initiatives have connected journalists, bloggers, cultural professionals, researchers and civil society communities from Estonia, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia and the wider European region.
Today, TIIM Web3 Social Hub develops a new generation of public-benefit technologies for civil society, vulnerable and displaced communities, cultural actors in exile and diaspora organisations. Our work is not centred on cryptocurrency speculation. It focuses on durable infrastructure: secure cooperation, transparent resource flows, community governance, digital resilience, Ethereum-based Web3 tools, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence and automation.
Who we work with
- Vulnerable and displaced communities
- Technology developers
- Civil society activists
- Cultural professionals
- Diaspora communities
- Researchers
- Independent journalists
- Bloggers and content creators
- Nonprofit organisations
- Public institutions
Areas of work
Experience that connects people, institutions and technology
Six complementary areas form the basis of our current work and future partnerships.
Civic Networks
Strengthening cooperation, trust and knowledge exchange across civil society and diaspora ecosystems.
Digital Security
Reducing risks for people, organisations, archives and communications in a rapidly changing digital environment.
Web3 Infrastructure
Designing open, ethical and interoperable systems for public-benefit organisations and communities.
Community Governance
Creating participatory, accountable and transparent decision-making models for distributed communities.
Research & Training
Combining applied research, policy dialogue, training and prototyping to create practical solutions.
Our journey
Long-term experience. A new technological direction.
Selected milestones in the development of the organisation and its initiatives.
- 2009–2021
ARU TV
The team launched ARU TV for independent experts, cultural figures and pro-democracy voices. TIIM’s legal entity became its founder and legal body, while MYMEDIA provided strategic support. Audiences included Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Central Asia and Russian-speaking diasporas in the EU and United States.
- 2011
Organisation established
TIIM Web3 Social Hub MTÜ was established in Estonia by exiled media professionals, civic activists and international partners.
- 2010–2013 & 2016–2018
Training and mentoring
Training and mentoring programmes were implemented with or commissioned by NDI, IRI, Open Russia Foundation, NED and Open Estonia Foundation.
- 2016–2023
TIIM YouTube Incubator
A network supporting more than 50 independent media and video projects with a combined audience reach exceeding 20 million views and interactions.
- 2026
TIIM Web3 Social Hub
The organisation entered a new phase focused on Ethereum, DAO technologies, responsible AI and resilient digital infrastructure for civil society and cultural communities in exile.
Earlier programme models were suspended because of Russia’s war against Ukraine, growing security risks, restrictions on independent media platforms, pressure against authors and major changes in the regional funding environment.
Web3 social focus
Technology should strengthen communities—not increase their dependence.
We develop and explore Ethereum and DAO-based technologies for civil society, cultural activists in exile, vulnerable groups, diaspora communities and people displaced by war or repression. Current development work includes support systems for civic and cultural actors from repressive environments, while project details remain protected for safety reasons.
- Web3 and DAO technologies for civil society and cultural activists in exile
- Transparent resource distribution
- Secure cross-border cooperation
- Community-owned digital infrastructure
- Community governance
- Digital identity
- Web3-based social protection technologies
- Diaspora support mechanisms
- Civil society resilience
- Responsible AI and automation
Our working principles
01
Public benefit first
Solutions must respond to real social needs and create measurable public value.
02
Human-centred design
Communities should participate in defining the systems intended to serve them.
03
Privacy and security
Data minimisation, safety and responsible architecture are core design requirements.
04
Open cooperation
We favour interoperable standards and partnerships across sectors and borders.
05
CROPS principles
Censorship resistance, capture resistance, open source, privacy and security guide our Ethereum-compatible approach.
Confidentiality and safety
Some work cannot be made public without increasing risk.
Current partnerships
To protect partners and participants working in sensitive political and security environments, we do not publish a list of current partner organisations. Relevant information can be shared confidentially with verified institutional counterparts when appropriate.
Current initiatives
For privacy and security reasons, we do not publicly identify current projects involving vulnerable groups, civic and cultural actors in exile, diaspora communities or people affected by war and repression. We publish selected information only when it can be shared safely and with the consent of those involved.
Previous institutional supporters
International support has shaped our work
The names below refer to previous periods of institutional support. They do not imply an ongoing funding relationship or endorsement of all current activities.
DANIDA
2014–2016
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2020–2025
National Endowment for Democracy
2015–2024
German Marshall Fund of the United States
2015–2019
Open Estonia Foundation
2023–2024
Open Russia Foundation
2020
ARTICLE 19
2017–2020
NDI
2011–2013
IRI
2011–2013
ERIM
2020–2024
KAS
2011–2013
Current partners are not publicly listed for privacy and security reasons.
Governance
Responsible nonprofit management
TIIM Web3 Social Hub MTÜ, operating publicly as TIIM Web3 Social Hub, is governed by its Management Board in accordance with the organisation’s Articles of Association, procedures adopted by the General Meeting, and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. The Management Board is elected by the General Meeting.
The organisation is committed to responsible governance, proper financial management, transparent decision-making and accountability to members, partners, donors and the communities it serves.
- Legal name
- TIIM Web3 Social Hub MTÜ
- Former registered name
- Mittetulundusühing Kodanikualgatuse Toetuskeskus
- Registry code
- 80321356
- Registered address
- Aru 21-8, 10318 Tallinn, Estonia
- Public location
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Date of registration
- 10 January 2011
- VAT status
- Not registered for VAT
Governance documents
The following documents are available from the organisation. Until the approved PDF files are added to the website, copies may be requested by email.
Articles of Association
statute_TIIM.pdfPDF publication pendingRequest by email
Financial Policy
finpolicy_TIIM.pdfPDF publication pendingRequest by email
Code of Ethics
codeofethics_TIIM.pdfPDF publication pendingRequest by email
Conflict of Interest Policy
conflict-of-interest_TIIM.pdfPDF publication pendingRequest by email
AML/ATF Policy
AML_ATF_TIIM.pdfPDF publication pendingRequest by email
Cooperation
Let’s build practical public-benefit infrastructure together.
We welcome cooperation with nonprofit organisations, universities and researchers, public institutions, technology companies, Web3 developers, foundations and donors, cultural and diaspora organisations, independent media, and impact investors.
- Joint project development
- Technology pilots
- Research partnerships
- Grant consortiums
- Funding partnerships
- Events and conferences