April Glaser

Librarians all over the country are affirming their commitment to digital privacy rights by using and teaching free software tools in their libraries. This initiative -- the Library Freedom Project -- was started by IT librarian Alison Macrina and staff of the ACLU, who have been visiting privacy-loving librarians in different states to show them how freedom of speech and the right to privacy are compromised by digital surveillance, and what new privacy-protecting free software services libraries can offer to shield patrons from unwanted surveillance of their online activity. In this session, organizers from the Library Freedom Project will talk about how the project is unfolding, how developers can support the adoption of free software privacy tools at libraries, and what kinds of relationships need to form for these initiatives to be sustainable.

Other people: Alison Macrina

For years, activists have been using free software tools in their efforts to organize and build movements. Bringing together organizers from the media justice and digital rights movements, which all rely on the use of free software in their advocacy and essential communications, this panel explores the centrality of technology to all projects of social change. We will question how activists use free software and how the adoption of free software has helped or impeded networking efforts.

Other people: Ana Martina Libby Reinish Dan Staples