-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"**.
+LibrePlanet is the annual conference hosted by the [Free Software
+Foundation](https://fsf.org). LibrePlanet provides an opportunity for
+community activists, domain experts, and people seeking solutions for
+themselves to come together in order to discuss current issues in
+technology and ethics.
-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.
+Over our thirty-five years of campaigning for freedom, the Free
+Software Foundation has seen no end to the number of people directly
+inspired to make a change for themselves and for their community by
+free software. By its very nature, free software empowers individuals
+and groups to take control of their own digital lives, and participate
+in a global community based on sharing and collaboration.
-[4]:https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/gogole-amazon-microsoft-listen-conversation-siri/
+In these past months, when the novel coronavirus brought new threats
+to computer user freedom, we have been inspired to see people take
+freedom into their own hands and work for change in their communities.
+Inspired by free software's message of individual freedom and true
+digital rights, computer users are empowering themselves to move away
+from proprietary tools that allow corporate control and government
+surveillance, towards a future that puts the needs of their community
+above the profit margin of a monopoly. We're inviting everyone to come
+share their experiences in the free software community, and together,
+learn how each of us can help in user initiatives working for freedom.
-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?
+In response to the global coronavirus, LibrePlanet 2020 brought an
+engaging video conference to virtual attendees around the world using
+exclusively free software. Although free software has had its share of
+challenges in the last year, LibrePlanet 2021 will deliver the message
+at the core of free software: **empowering users**.
-[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."**
projects / libreplanet-static.git / blobdiff