LibrePlanet is an annual conference hosted by the [Free Software
Foundation](https://www.fsf.org) for free software enthusiasts and
anyone who cares about the intersection of technology and social
justice. LibrePlanet brings together software developers, law and policy
experts, activists, students, and computer users to learn skills,
celebrate free software accomplishments, and face challenges to software
freedom. Newcomers are always welcome, and LibrePlanet 2020 will feature
programming for all ages and experience levels. The theme for
LibrePlanet 2020 is **"Free the Future"**.

Many picture the future of software bringing about a dystopian world
because of the daily encroachments on user rights. Even in our own
homes, we are not shielded from technology companies listening to
every word we say through their [proprietary "smart" personal
assistants][4]. The thirst for user data gleaned through nonfree
software and unethical network services like Amazon and Facebook seems
to be unquenchable, and they require strong resistance.

[4]:https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/gogole-amazon-microsoft-listen-conversation-siri/

Surveillance developments are becoming more and more unsettling
because of the use of [facial recognition by state and county
agencies][5]. The [FBI is planning to actively monitor our social
media activity][6] in the name of "safety." Can free software help
defend our rights?

[5]:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/business/facial-recognition-uk-court.html?module=inline
[6]:https://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-and-facebook-potentially-at-odds-over-social-media-monitoring-11565277021

Education also needs our attention. The recent introduction of
Pearson's "Netflix of textbooks" model inhibits students' rights to
education by digitally constraining their learning environment. With
our 2019 [International Day Against Digital Restrictions Management
(DRM)][7], we are exposing our rapidly diminishing authority over our
technology, as exemplified by Pearson. Steps like these set a
dangerous precedent for all readers, no matter their age or location.

[7]:https://www.defectivebydesign.org/blog/help_defend_right_read_stand_against_drm_october_12th

These are just some of the many examples that come to mind when
contemplating the direction technology is taking us. For each new
convenience that we gain, it seems we lose even more in the process,
exchanging intangible but vital rights to freedom and privacy for the
latest new gadget. But there is resistance, and it doesn't have to be
this way. The free software community has continuously defied the
pressure to use nonfree software and provided a means of escape. We
are in the unique position to offer solutions to these problems by
combining our technical abilities and educational skills with our
ethical dedication to envision a future free from the clutches of
nonfree software and network services that mistreat their users. In
short, 2020 will be the year we **"Free the Future."**