# Constanze Kurz

> German computer scientist (born 1974)

**Wikidata**: [Q1128109](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1128109)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/constanze-kurz

## Summary  
Constanze Kurz is a German computer scientist and non-fiction writer born on March 2, 1974, in Berlin. She is recognized for her contributions to computer science, advocacy for digital rights, and authorship of influential books such as *Die Datenfresser* and *1984.exe*. A prominent figure in Germany’s tech community, she has been honored with the Theodor Heuss Medal and is an active member of the Chaos Computer Club.  

## Biography  
- **Born**: March 2, 1974, in Berlin, Germany  
- **Nationality**: German  
- **Known for**: Work in computer science, non-fiction writing on technology and society, and public advocacy for digital rights  
- **Employer(s)**:  
  - Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2005–2011)  
  - HTW Berlin (until September 2014)  
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, technology ethics, non-fiction writing  

## Contributions  
- **Notable Works**:  
  - *Die Datenfresser* (co-authored)  
  - *Picknick mit Cyborgs* (2016)  
  - *Arbeitsfrei* (2016)  
  - *1984.exe* (2016)  
  - *Gewissensbisse* (2016)  
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Theodor Heuss Medal (2013)  
- **Public Speaking**: Regular orator at the Chaos Communication Congress (32C3, 33C3, 34C3, 35C3, 36C3)  
- **Advocacy**: Active in discussions on digital privacy, technology ethics, and societal impacts of computing  

## FAQs  
### Q: Where has Constanze Kurz worked?  
A: She has been affiliated with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2005–2011) and HTW Berlin (until 2014), and is a member of the Chaos Computer Club.  

### Q: What is Constanze Kurz known for?  
A: She is recognized for her dual career as a computer scientist and non-fiction author, blending technical expertise with public advocacy on technology’s societal implications.  

### Q: What awards has Constanze Kurz received?  
A: She was awarded the Theodor Heuss Medal in 2013 for her contributions to public discourse on technology and society.  

### Q: What organizations is Constanze Kurz affiliated with?  
A: She is a member of the Chaos Computer Club and has participated in multiple Chaos Communication Congress events as a speaker.  

## Why They Matter  
Constanze Kurz bridges technical computer science with public discourse, influencing debates on digital rights, privacy, and the ethical application of technology. Her writings and advocacy work have shaped German and European discussions on issues like surveillance, data governance, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. Without her contributions, the intersection of computer science and civil liberties in German public discourse would lack a key voice.  

## Notable For  
- **Awards**: Theodor Heuss Medal (2013)  
- **Publications**: Author of *Die Datenfresser*, *1984.exe*, and *Gewissensbisse*  
- **Advocacy**: Prominent speaker at Chaos Communication Congress events  
- **Membership**: Active member of the Chaos Computer Club  
- **Interdisciplinary Work**: Combines computer science with non-fiction writing and public engagement  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
Constanze Kurz was born on March 2, 1974, in Berlin, Germany. While specific details about her education are not provided, her career trajectory indicates advanced study in computer science, leading to roles at prestigious institutions like Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.  

### Career  
Kurz worked at **Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin** from 2005 to 2011 and later at **HTW Berlin** until September 2014. Her professional focus spans computer science and technology ethics, with a transition into public advocacy and writing. She is also a longtime member of the **Chaos Computer Club**, a prominent German hacker organization advocating for digital rights.  

### Notable Works  
Her publications include:  
- *Die Datenfresser* (co-authored)  
- *Picknick mit Cyborgs* (2016)  
- *Arbeitsfrei* (2016)  
- *1984.exe* (2016)  
- *Gewissensbisse* (2016)  
These works critique technological trends, surveillance, and societal shifts in the digital age, reflecting her commitment to accessible, critical discourse.  

### Awards and Recognition  
In 2013, Kurz received the **Theodor Heuss Medal**, recognizing her efforts to promote public awareness of technology’s societal implications.  

### Public Engagement  
Kurz is a regular speaker at the **Chaos Communication Congress** (C3), presenting at events including 32C3, 33C3, 34C3, 35C3, and 36C3. She maintains an active Twitter presence (@constanzekurz) since 2009, engaging with audiences on tech ethics and policy.  

### Legacy  
Kurz’s dual role as a computer scientist and public intellectual has influenced German debates on digital privacy, surveillance, and technology governance. Her work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue between technical experts and the broader public, ensuring technology evolves responsibly.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [V2 archive](https://v2.nl/people/constanze-kurz/)
3. [Source](https://www.theodor-heuss-stiftung.de/das-archiv/)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Open Library
6. Die Datenfresser
7. [Source](https://inventaire.io/entity/isbn:9783640678426/Picknick_mit_Cyborgs)
8. [Source](https://inventaire.io/entity/isbn:9783641102128/Arbeitsfrei)
9. [Source](https://inventaire.io/entity/isbn:9783839407660/1984.exe)
10. [Source](https://inventaire.io/entity/isbn:9783839412213/Gewissensbisse)
11. [Source](https://v2.nl/people/constanze-kurz/)