Digitised security – How to read the surveillance discourse and fight it!

CDN, the digital [x] working group and Revolt are organising an international youth seminar on digital rights. It will take place from 24 – 30 April in Bosnia. It was inspired by a digital [x] webinar that looked at the political reactions sparked by the terrorist attacks in Paris and how the tension between security and freedom was framed by agenda setters. A year later, censorship and mass surveillance are becoming the norm, and we want to fight this: we want to change the discourse to achieve better policy and give everyone the tools to protect their freedom even in hostile environments.

Together we will:

explore how recent events have led to fear being instrumentalised to restrict our online freedoms;
analyse how online censorship and mass surveillance are justified by governing bodies, why these policies are ineffective at increasing security;
see how they harm personal freedoms and democracy;
look at why anonymity and privacy is important for oppressed and minority groups to avoid persecution and harassment.
develop skills to use software that protects us from surveillance and overcomes censorship.

During this week-long event we will bring together 40 young people from all over Europe. This event will burst the Green bubble by closely collaborating with digital rights and hacker organisations from across the region and the rest of Europe. This seminar is not for nerds only, it will unite people who are new to the topic with seasoned digital rights activists. We aim at creating a vibrant environment to produce sustainable and long lasting collaboration to fight for our common digital rights!

If you are curious about what’s at stake in the online world and how it connects to the wider political struggles of our time, join us! Everyone is warmly welcome!

Details

Date: 24 – 30 April 2017
Duration: 6 working days
Location: (close to) Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Working language: English
Number of participants: 40

Methodology

The programme will be based on the principles of non-formal education and intercultural learning. We strive for active, inclusive and direct communication and transfer of knowledge. Sessions will be balanced between theoretical inputs, workshops, role-plays, debates, discussions, reflection and other interactive methods of learning.