Decentralization and Dignity against Digital Colonialism

[mozfest-bot]

[ UUID ] a83e818b-1a5a-4628-a4a4-4f690126ec84

[ Session Name ] Decentralization and Dignity against Digital Colonialism [ Primary Space ] Digital Inclusion [ Secondary Space ] Decentralization

[ Submitter's Name ] Renata Avila [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] World Wide Web Foundation

[ Additional facilitators ] @pazpena,

What will happen in your session?

Our talk will aim to discuss "Digital Colonialism" and how autonomous, decentralised solutions could bring freedom and dignity. Today, tech companies are in a quest of global domination, penetrating every government, computing every citizen movement, mediating every act of any connected person’s life. Beyond privacy and security, the alarming tension whose emergence we are witnessing is the one between control and freedom, not only of the individual, but of entire populations and regions. Some criticise it as a form of “digital colonialism”, others defend it as progress, indicating that those companies provide better services than corrupt governments. The debate is heating up and we want to have a smart conversation about it.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

Start a discussion on whether and connect the sociological and political importance of free software, decentralised technologies, ethical frames for data, web literacy and autonomous, decentralised solutions to tackle colonial efforts, resulting in freedom and dignity for people. Discuss whether "digital colonialism" is a good term to describe the current phenomenon of power concentration and growth strategies of technology companies.

Time needed

60 mins

[XtianBerrisoup]

Hi Renata, I'm very excited about this discussion and I believe it is an imperative one. I'm just curious about what you are expecting folks participating in this conversation to take away from this session? Who is your audience and what impact are you looking to have?

[kenyatta1]

Unfortunately we didn't think this session was quite right for the Digital Inclusion space this year. I'm removing the milestone to allow other spaces to consider your proposal.

[cubicgarden]

Looks good, ccing myself

[kenyatta1]

@cubicgarden yay!

[cubicgarden]

Good news... @Melechuga is going to cover the Stipend and we will happily add it to the decentralization space

[kenyatta1]

@Melechuga @cubicgarden awesome sauce!

[Melechuga]

Hey @cubicgarden @kenyatta1 Have either of you been in touch with Renata herself? Should I reach out to her, or is this enough? I'll make sure the MozFest Prod team know I will cover her stipend. Thanks!

[kenyatta1]

@Melechuga I have not beyond GitHub.

[cubicgarden]

@Melechuga feel free to do so sorry, we are just starting to do this stuff

[avilarenata]

Hi all, sorry, I was on vacations. Let me know if the talk is accepted as I will definitely attend since my other talk on elections is accepted.

[cubicgarden]

Yes its accepted... @Melechuga was going to cover it but sounds like there is no need now?

[avilarenata]

I am covered, but Paz Peña is not but I could conduct the session alone (however it would be great to see her there https://twitter.com/pazpena?lang=en)

R

[cubicgarden]

We can't cover another person sorry... maybe @Melechuga might be able to?

[Melechuga]

Hey @cubicgarden -- thanks for being on top of things! I'll take all discussions about stipends from here (and probably off of GH).

Hi Renata @avilarenata Let's talk about this over email; I wrote to your webfoundation address -- is that the right one?

[avilarenata]

Yes, all set, got some UK based speakers and others who are attending MozFest anyway. It will be very interesting. Let me know where - when to update.

[dvigneshwer]

Hi @avilarenata & team,

As MozFest is approaching we require the following information from your end to better support your session in the Decentralization learning forum space. You can get back to us by replying to this issue or emailing us directly, whichever communication channel is convenient to you.

1. Please confirm that you will be able to attend Mozfest 17
2. Provide us a brief outline of your session topics and time estimates
3. Does your session require any additional materials or electronic equipment other than a projector and general office stationery?
4. Please let us know if you want to make any modification to your session proposal

Thank you! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

[avilarenata]

1. I will be able to attend the Mozfest
2. No big modifications from whats written above.
3. It will be great to have extra markers and sticky notes.

[dvigneshwer]

Thanks @avilarenata Noted the requirements. Have you designed your session outline? it will be great if you can share it here or via email.

[avilarenata]

Please note the facilitators (2 additional ones) and their emails (for ticketing)

Kristen Robinson Kristen Robinson kristen.robinson@webfoundation.org Andres Guadamuz anduril13@gmail.com

among the participants who agreed to share their experiences is Nanjira Sambuli and Joana Varon, who are already attending.