2021/includes/home-content.mdwn

   1 LibrePlanet is an annual conference hosted by the [Free Software
   2 Foundation](https://www.fsf.org) for free software enthusiasts and
   3 anyone who cares about the intersection of technology and social
   4 justice. LibrePlanet brings together software developers, law and policy
   5 experts, activists, students, and computer users to learn skills,
   6 celebrate free software accomplishments, and face challenges to software
   7 freedom. Newcomers are always welcome, and LibrePlanet 2020 will feature
   8 programming for all ages and experience levels. The theme for
   9 LibrePlanet 2020 is **"Free the Future"**.
  10
  11 Many picture the future of software bringing about a dystopian world
  12 because of the daily encroachments on user rights. Even in our own
  13 homes, we are not shielded from technology companies listening to
  14 every word we say through their [proprietary "smart" personal
  15 assistants][4]. The thirst for user data gleaned through nonfree
  16 software and unethical network services like Amazon and Facebook seems
  17 to be unquenchable, and they require strong resistance.
  18
  19 [4]:https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/gogole-amazon-microsoft-listen-conversation-siri/
  20
  21 Surveillance developments are becoming more and more unsettling
  22 because of the use of [facial recognition by state and county
  23 agencies][5]. The [FBI is planning to actively monitor our social
  24 media activity][6] in the name of "safety." Can free software help
  25 defend our rights?
  26
  27 [5]:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/business/facial-recognition-uk-court.html?module=inline
  28 [6]:https://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-and-facebook-potentially-at-odds-over-social-media-monitoring-11565277021
  29
  30 Education also needs our attention. The recent introduction of
  31 Pearson's "Netflix of textbooks" model inhibits students' rights to
  32 education by digitally constraining their learning environment. With
  33 our 2019 [International Day Against Digital Restrictions Management
  34 (DRM)][7], we are exposing our rapidly diminishing authority over our
  35 technology, as exemplified by Pearson. Steps like these set a
  36 dangerous precedent for all readers, no matter their age or location.
  37
  38 [7]:https://www.defectivebydesign.org/blog/help_defend_right_read_stand_against_drm_october_12th
  39
  40 These are just some of the many examples that come to mind when
  41 contemplating the direction technology is taking us. For each new
  42 convenience that we gain, it seems we lose even more in the process,
  43 exchanging intangible but vital rights to freedom and privacy for the
  44 latest new gadget. But there is resistance, and it doesn't have to be
  45 this way. The free software community has continuously defied the
  46 pressure to use nonfree software and provided a means of escape. We
  47 are in the unique position to offer solutions to these problems by
  48 combining our technical abilities and educational skills with our
  49 ethical dedication to envision a future free from the clutches of
  50 nonfree software and network services that mistreat their users. In
  51 short, 2020 will be the year we **"Free the Future."**