From 3c207c4cd4113eab6954bc346d949daf108d26e7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zoe LibrePlanet is an annual conference hosted by the Free Software
-Foundation 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 is the annual conference hosted by the Free Software
+Foundation. 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. 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.
-Surveillance developments are becoming more and more unsettling -because of the use of facial recognition by state and county -agencies. The FBI is planning to actively monitor our social -media activity in the name of "safety." Can free software help -defend our rights?
-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), 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.
-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."
\ No newline at end of file + +LibrePlanet attendees and speakers will be discussing the hot button +issues we've all been reading about every day, and their connection to +the free software movement. How do you fight Facebook? How do we make +software-driven cars safe? How do we stop algorithms from making +terrible, unreviewable decisions? How do we enjoy the convenience of +mobile phones and digital home assistants without being constantly +under surveillance? What is the future of digital currency? Can we +have an Internet that facilitates respectful dialogue?
+The free software community has continuously demanded that users and +developers be permitted to understand, study, and alter the software +they use, offering hope and solutions for a free technological +future. LibrePlanet speakers will display their unique combination of +digital knowledge and educational skills in the two day conference, as +well as give more insights into their ethical dedication to envision a +future rich with free "as in freedom" software and without network +services that mistreat their users. The FSF's LibrePlanet 2020 edition +is therefore aptly named "Free the Future."
+"For each new technological convenience we gain, it seems that we lose +even more in the process. To exchange intangible but vital rights to +freedom and privacy for the latest new gadget can make the future of +software seem bleak. But there is resistance, and it is within our capabilities to +reject this outcome.
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